The City of Burien conducted a study and is currently working on solutions for widespread chronic flooding in the Boulevard Park neighborhood.
Project Location
Boulevard Park neighborhood of Burien. Overall area boundaries are South 120th Street to the north, 12th Avenue South to the west, Des Moines Memorial Drive South to the east, and South 136th Street to the south. Phase two work, described blow, included improvements within and adjacent to the 1200 block of S 124th St.
Project Overview
A primarily privately owned stormwater conveyance system flows through the Boulevard Park neighborhood west of Des Moines Memorial Dr in Burien. The neighborhood has experienced nuisance flooding for many years, but circumstances have changed in recent years that have exacerbated this flooding and resulted in annual significant flooding of several properties and structures, beyond what was experienced previously. This study analyzed the likely causes of both the long-term chronic flooding and the more recent severe flooding, researched possible interim and partial solutions, and proposed a recommended solution to permanently alleviate this flooding.
Project Status
The initial phase included completing the flooding study in 2022, which quantified the extent of the flooding issues and developed several options for neighborhood improvements. Phase two below was a result of this study. The City of Burien repurposed $400,000 in COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help cover the cost of this and phase two stormwater work.
The second phase of this work was a result of a partnership between the City of Burien and Valley View Sewer District. In 2025 the City entered into an interlocal agreement with Valley View for this work which is expected to resolve the most significant chronic flooding issues near the 1200 block of South 124th Street. This work occurred in summer and fall 2025, with all stormwater work completed by early 2026.
City staff is continuing to routinely monitor the drainage in this area to assess the successfulness of this second phase of improvements, as well as changes in the need for additional work.
Possible Future Improvements
A potential third phase of this project is currently under consideration, utilizing federal water resources funding administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This funding is for $5 million with a 25% match from the City of Burien and would include additional stormwater improvements downstream of the phase two work.
Project Manager
Dan O'Brien
Stormwater Engineer
(206) 241-4647
[email protected]
Updated July 7, 2026