Flood-Ready,
Community-Steady

FAQ

A drainage district is seen as the logical next step to move from the current
flood mitigation approach to long-term flood mitigation approach:

  • Current Approach: Ad hoc, county-led, and volunteer-based.
  • Long-Term Approach: Locally-led public entity.

*Note: Grayland Drainage District is an example of a long-lasting drainage district, having operated since
1930s.

Dedicated, organized local entity focused on Ocean City/SR109 flood
mitigation. Governed, administered, and managed locally (less reliant on others).

A Drainage District Entity:

  • Can contract with others.
  • Is eligible for grants, loans, public funding, etc.
  • Can set, prioritize projects, activities, etc.

  • Monitor and notch beaver dams.
  • Clean/clear culverts.
  • Sponsor and implement the “Ocean City Drainage Improvement Project.”
  • Educate/inform (WSDOT and culverts).
  • Monitor, understand, and build knowledge about local flooding (gages).
  • Explore the upper watershed.
  • Solicit volunteers, engage partners (WSDOT, WDFW, GHC, etc.), and otherwise build
    community!

  • For Connor Creek: Keep open for flow.
  • For the SR109 Corridor: Improve conveyance.
  • Evacuate water through public ROW.
  • During King Tides: Evacuate high-flows at historic overflow points.
  • In the Uplands: Slow, moderate, and/or reduce/redirect flow.

Three locally-elected Commissioners will run, oversee, and administer the district.

Steps/Schedule:

  • 12/09/2025: GHC public hearing to decide whether to allow special
    election (Y/N).
  • 2/10/2026 (4/28/2026): Special election to form the district (Y/N).
  • 3/2026 (6/2026): GHC appoints three initial Commissioners.
  • 5/2026 (7/2026): “Special district general election” held at
    least 90 days after the special district is established to elect three
    Commissioners to staggered six-year terms.

Drainage district boundaries were initially proposed by approximating Connor Creek’s watershed boundaries. This was based on a “best-fit” alignment with existing mapped features (section lines, roads, parcels, water bodies, etc.). A formal watershed boundary survey is not know to exist at this time.

  • Grayland Drainage District is acquired
  • 9 miles of drainage ditch over many years in the early-1900s.
  • Ocean City Drainage District is proposed and has an existing drainage ditch . . . it’s Connor Creek!

  • You could be a neighbor.
  • You might use SR109.
  • You might need emergency services some day.
  • Your involvement can help spread costs.
  • You are part of the Ocean City community.

This will be up to the commissioners who will run and oversee the drainage district. The elected commissioners will be key (registered voters, and must own land in the drainage district).

Options:

  • Grants
  • Loans
  • Appropriations
  • Volunteers
  • Fundraisers
  • Assessments

Grayland Drainage District Assessments:

  • Set by the elected commissioners.
  • Based on the size of property.
  • $15 = 1st acre; $11 each additional acre.
  • 2025 = 590 parcels, 2,700 acres, $25,600
    [$43/parcel or $9.50/acre].

Ocean City Drainage District:

  • 2025 = 1,061 parcels; 13,125 acres

  • No, you can not opt out once the district is created.
  • You can be a part of the decision-making process:
    • 12/09/2025 public hearing (in-person, Zoom, written).
    • 2/10/2025 special election.
    • Submit interest in being appointed an initial Commissioner.
    • Run as candidate for formally elected Commissioner (6-year term).

  • 12/09/2025: Public hearing to decide whether to allow special election (Y/N).
  • 2/10/2026 (4/28/2026): Special election to form district (Y/N).
  • 3/2026 (6/2026): GHC appoints three initial commissioners.
  • 5/2026 (7/2026): “Special district general election” held at least 90 days after the special district is established to elect three commissioners to staggered six-year terms.

  • Unclear at this time.
  • Commissioners and/or interested property owners can request GHC dissolve.
  • Provisions in statute exist to withdraw areas of the district and or suspend operations.