December 2025 Post-Flood Resources & Recovery

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The City of Renton's Emergency Management, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Executive Services, and Police Departments have been working together since the December 2025 flood.

Here’s what’s happening now and why some repairs are taking longer than you might expect:

What We’re Doing Right Now

FEMA has confirmed a majority of the damage we reported. City staff is close to completing all paperwork and inspections required before FEMA can confirm funding. Once complete, we can move ahead with permits, bids, and contracts for the larger repairs.

Current in‑progress projects, such as removing debris from the Cedar River beneath our bridges, are moving forward. A contractor has been selected, and the City has secured an emergency permit that allows in‑water work to proceed outside the normal fish window.

What’s Already Complete

Right after the flood, city crews handled cleanup and quick repairs. We’ve also finished our first round of damage assessments.

The Big Picture

The flood damaged Carco Theatre, trails, riverbanks, and other infrastructure. In total, the event created more than 20 repair projects with an estimated cost of $40 million. FEMA can fund up to 75% of approved projects, covering roughly $30 million. The State will contribute an additional 12.5%, about $5 million. This leaves the city responsible for the remaining $5 million in repair costs. Recovery has taken time because each project has its own requirements, timelines, and levels of complexity.

Why It Takes Times

Federal dollars come with strict rules. We must document all damage, secure permits, collect bids, and approve contracts in a set order. If we skip a step, we could lose funding for the project and possibly for all other flood recovery work. Following the rules takes longer, but it protects your tax dollars.

For questions about the process, see our FAQs.

The City of Renton's Emergency Management, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Executive Services, and Police Departments have been working together since the December 2025 flood.

Here’s what’s happening now and why some repairs are taking longer than you might expect:

What We’re Doing Right Now

FEMA has confirmed a majority of the damage we reported. City staff is close to completing all paperwork and inspections required before FEMA can confirm funding. Once complete, we can move ahead with permits, bids, and contracts for the larger repairs.

Current in‑progress projects, such as removing debris from the Cedar River beneath our bridges, are moving forward. A contractor has been selected, and the City has secured an emergency permit that allows in‑water work to proceed outside the normal fish window.

What’s Already Complete

Right after the flood, city crews handled cleanup and quick repairs. We’ve also finished our first round of damage assessments.

The Big Picture

The flood damaged Carco Theatre, trails, riverbanks, and other infrastructure. In total, the event created more than 20 repair projects with an estimated cost of $40 million. FEMA can fund up to 75% of approved projects, covering roughly $30 million. The State will contribute an additional 12.5%, about $5 million. This leaves the city responsible for the remaining $5 million in repair costs. Recovery has taken time because each project has its own requirements, timelines, and levels of complexity.

Why It Takes Times

Federal dollars come with strict rules. We must document all damage, secure permits, collect bids, and approve contracts in a set order. If we skip a step, we could lose funding for the project and possibly for all other flood recovery work. Following the rules takes longer, but it protects your tax dollars.

For questions about the process, see our FAQs.

  • December 2025 Flood Recovery

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    The City of Renton's Emergency Management, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Executive Services, and Police Departments have been working together since the December 2025 flood.

    Have questions? Learn more from our FAQs.

    Want to see the current projects the city is managing from the December 2025 flood? View the map.



    The City of Renton's Emergency Management, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Executive Services, and Police Departments have been working together since the December 2025 flood.

    Have questions? Learn more from our FAQs.

    Want to see the current projects the city is managing from the December 2025 flood? View the map.



  • December 2025 Mitigation: Cedar River Levee Repaired in Partnership with United States Army Corps of Engineers

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    Last month, our Public Works Department and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began repairs along the Cedar River Left Bank Levee between the Renton Municipal Airport and Renton Memorial Stadium.

    Repairs were required due to damage from last December’s historic flood. While the wall prevented flooding at the airport and downtown, the constant pressure and sheer volume of water eroded the riverbank at the wall’s base.


    RENTON'S COST FOR REPAIRS: ZERO

    Since the levee is federally sponsored and last year's event was large enough to activate the sponsorship, we requested that USACE support the repairs. The cost of repairs was approximately $1 million and included:

    • Nearly 2,000 tons of rock, known as riprap, placed along nearly 1000 ft. of riverbank

    • Hydroseeding for soil stabilization

    Renton is the local sponsor of the levee and is responsible for maintaining and keeping it operational in accordance with an operation and maintenance manual. This includes passing annual inspections by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This keeps the levee eligible for federal sponsorship and for post-flood repairs at no cost to our residents.

    A big thanks goes to our diligent and proactive Public Works staff for the continued care and maintenance of the levee.

    The repaired levee can be seen from the Cedar River Trail across the river from Renton Memorial Stadium.


    STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREPARE

    As we approach flood season, it’s as important as ever to know what to do in an emergency.

    • Plan how you will communicate with loved ones and get to higher ground.

    • Find empty sandbags and sand at a sandbag distribution location at kingcounty.gov/Sandbags. The nearest location is at the King County Roads Facility (3021 NE 4th St. Renton, WA 98056) in the Highlands next to the Renton Transfer Station.

    • Get a NOAA weather radio.

    Learn more at rentonwa.gov/ReadyinRenton.



    Last month, our Public Works Department and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began repairs along the Cedar River Left Bank Levee between the Renton Municipal Airport and Renton Memorial Stadium.

    Repairs were required due to damage from last December’s historic flood. While the wall prevented flooding at the airport and downtown, the constant pressure and sheer volume of water eroded the riverbank at the wall’s base.


    RENTON'S COST FOR REPAIRS: ZERO

    Since the levee is federally sponsored and last year's event was large enough to activate the sponsorship, we requested that USACE support the repairs. The cost of repairs was approximately $1 million and included:

    • Nearly 2,000 tons of rock, known as riprap, placed along nearly 1000 ft. of riverbank

    • Hydroseeding for soil stabilization

    Renton is the local sponsor of the levee and is responsible for maintaining and keeping it operational in accordance with an operation and maintenance manual. This includes passing annual inspections by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This keeps the levee eligible for federal sponsorship and for post-flood repairs at no cost to our residents.

    A big thanks goes to our diligent and proactive Public Works staff for the continued care and maintenance of the levee.

    The repaired levee can be seen from the Cedar River Trail across the river from Renton Memorial Stadium.


    STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREPARE

    As we approach flood season, it’s as important as ever to know what to do in an emergency.

    • Plan how you will communicate with loved ones and get to higher ground.

    • Find empty sandbags and sand at a sandbag distribution location at kingcounty.gov/Sandbags. The nearest location is at the King County Roads Facility (3021 NE 4th St. Renton, WA 98056) in the Highlands next to the Renton Transfer Station.

    • Get a NOAA weather radio.

    Learn more at rentonwa.gov/ReadyinRenton.


  • June 10 deadline to apply for federal assistance from December 2025 flooding damages

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    If you experienced any damage during the December 2025 flooding, the deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 10. You can apply for FEMA assistance by going to www.disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA app. You can apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans at www.sba.gov/disaster or calling 800-659-2955. Even if you are not sure you qualify, you are encouraged to apply anyway.

    There will be in-person assistance from FEMA and SBA employees this week at the following locations in King County:

    • June 4 – Kent City Hall, 220 4th Ave S, Kent from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    • June 6 – Duvall Days, located on Main St in Duvall from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • June 6 – Pawfest at accesso ShoWare Center, 625 W James Street, Kent from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • June 7 – Auburn Farmers Market at Les Grove Park, 1140 Auburn Way S, Auburn from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • and Tuesdays – Fridays through June 10 at King County Elections, 919 Southwest Grady Way in Renton from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.


    If you experienced any damage during the December 2025 flooding, the deadline to apply for federal assistance is June 10. You can apply for FEMA assistance by going to www.disasterassistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA app. You can apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans at www.sba.gov/disaster or calling 800-659-2955. Even if you are not sure you qualify, you are encouraged to apply anyway.

    There will be in-person assistance from FEMA and SBA employees this week at the following locations in King County:

    • June 4 – Kent City Hall, 220 4th Ave S, Kent from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    • June 6 – Duvall Days, located on Main St in Duvall from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • June 6 – Pawfest at accesso ShoWare Center, 625 W James Street, Kent from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
    • June 7 – Auburn Farmers Market at Les Grove Park, 1140 Auburn Way S, Auburn from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • and Tuesdays – Fridays through June 10 at King County Elections, 919 Southwest Grady Way in Renton from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.


  • FEMA funding available for residents impacted by December floods

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    The federal government approved Washington’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the December 2025 Floods.

    People who suffered disaster-related damage in King, Chelan, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, or Whatcom counties, or one of the affected tribal communities, may qualify.

    Apply for FEMA assistance:

    Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

    For in-person assistance filing your application, beginning today, April 28, King County’s Disaster Recovery Center will be located at King County Elections Office, 919 Southwest Grady Way in Renton, Tuesdays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June 10.

    The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance and SBA assistance is June 10, 2026. Link to the FEMA press release.

    In addition, this declaration will help us fund repairs to public property in the months ahead. Thanks to the detailed damage assessments completed by city staff, we expect it to cover nearly 75% of the repair costs.


    The federal government approved Washington’s request for a federal disaster declaration for the December 2025 Floods.

    People who suffered disaster-related damage in King, Chelan, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, or Whatcom counties, or one of the affected tribal communities, may qualify.

    Apply for FEMA assistance:

    Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI

    For in-person assistance filing your application, beginning today, April 28, King County’s Disaster Recovery Center will be located at King County Elections Office, 919 Southwest Grady Way in Renton, Tuesdays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June 10.

    The deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance and SBA assistance is June 10, 2026. Link to the FEMA press release.

    In addition, this declaration will help us fund repairs to public property in the months ahead. Thanks to the detailed damage assessments completed by city staff, we expect it to cover nearly 75% of the repair costs.


  • SBA offers disaster assistance to Washington businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by 2025 December flooding

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    See press release below from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) regarding low interest loans available for businesses, non-profits, and residents impacted by the 2025 December flood event:


    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Washington businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from the 2025 Severe Winter Storms occurring Dec. 5 — 22, 2025. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Bob Ferguson.

    The declaration covers the Washington counties of Chelan, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, Okanogan, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom and Yakima.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations including faith-based organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is April 27, 2026.


    Reference: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/02/26/sba-offers-disaster-assistance-washington-businesses-private-nonprofits-residents-affected-2025


    See press release below from U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) regarding low interest loans available for businesses, non-profits, and residents impacted by the 2025 December flood event:


    The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Washington businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from the 2025 Severe Winter Storms occurring Dec. 5 — 22, 2025. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Bob Ferguson.

    The declaration covers the Washington counties of Chelan, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, Okanogan, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom and Yakima.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

    SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations including faith-based organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return physical damage applications is April 27, 2026.


    Reference: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/02/26/sba-offers-disaster-assistance-washington-businesses-private-nonprofits-residents-affected-2025


Page last updated: 22 Oct 2026, 03:49 PM