Local News

SeaTac flooding addressed

By Eric Mathison

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Steps were taken April 8 to solve flooding problems along the eastern edge of SeaTac.

City council members imposed a moratorium on building, grading and drainage permits within the Sunrise View drainage area.

Lawmakers also approved a $300,000 consultant agreement with PACE Engineers Inc. to design a drainage system for the area from 51st Avenue South to 53rd Avenue South, between South 170th Street and South 172nd Place. Forty-five parcels are affected.

The moratorium on permits, which would result in creation of more impervious surfaces, is scheduled to end in six months but will likely be extended until the drainage project is completed in spring 2009.

City Engineer Tom Gut told lawmakers there is currently no engineered drainage conveyance system in Sunrise View.

Large rainfalls overwhelm area drainage and cause flooding, Gut noted.

Councilman Chris Wythe said he was concerned about imposing a moratorium before a public hearing is held. An area resident requested the moratorium.

City Attorney Mary Mirante Bartolo replied that a moratorium could legally be imposed as long as a public hearing is held within 60 days.

The hearing will be May 13 at 6 p.m. at city hall, 4800 S. 188th St.