Information from King County

Considering a rain garden or cistern to better manage private property stormwater runoff? Join King County at the Gathering of Neighbors on Saturday, May 4, to meet local contractors who can answer questions about the RainWise Rebate Program.

The contractor forum takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Chief Sealth International High School Galleria, 2600 S.W. Thistle Street, Seattle.

King County Wastewater Treatment Division recently joined Seattle Public Utility’s RainWise Program, which offers rebates to cover up to 100 percent of the cost to install cisterns and rain gardens on eligible properties in South Park, Highland Park and the Barton/Fauntleroy areas of West Seattle.

By encouraging people in these areas to better control stormwater through the RainWise Program, King County can meet its goal to reduce combined sewer overflows, or CSOs, that occur near the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal during heavy rains.

To receive a rebate, residents must live in an eligible CSO basin. The RainWise Program already serves City of Seattle’s Ballard, North Union Bay and Delridge neighborhoods. A map of eligible basins and more information on the program is at www.rainwise.seattle.gov.

The contractor forum will give people an opportunity to:
· Determine program eligibility requirements.

· Learn how rain gardens and cisterns work, how they protect water quality, and how they can beautify a yard or garden.

· Get questions answered.

The Gathering of Neighbors is an annual event to gather school officials, residents, youth and other stakeholders to identify needed neighborhood improvements, community concerns, discuss issues that affect the future of West Seattle and Delridge and generate action plans and activities to mobilize, school, city, and community resources. Mid-morning a panel on Neighborhood Improvements and Beautification will feature information on the RainWise Rebate Program as well as information on Neighborhood Matching Funds, and resources through the YMCA Leadership Program and White Center Development Association.

Additional information about King County’s CSO Control Program is available on the Web at www.kingcounty.gov/csocontrol.