The heavy rains Dec. 19-21 and local flooding are a perfect example of why the Mill Creek Reestablishment project is so important to Kent, according to the City Public Works Department.

City staff wants residents to send comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about the project to dredge Mill Creek in order to reduce flooding.

The Mill Creek Reestablishment Project seeks to improve flooding issues and fish habitat along Mill Creek by removing built-up sediment and invasive plants; the planting of native plants; improving pedestrian safety; providing wetland mitigation; sediment capture; and culvert replacement.

The project will be a little over 3 miles long, spanning Mill Creek from East Smith Street to South 204th Street.

This project is in the design and permitting stage and requires a number of permits at the federal, state and local levels. The groups that must sign off on the estimated $10 million project include the Army Corps of Engineers, the state Department of Fish & Wildlife, the state Department of Ecology and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.

One hurdle is the Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application (JARPA) which is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

To help secure the JARPA, the city is asking for resident comments from the Mill Creek neighborhood about the project.

Send comments directly to Kristin McDermott at the Army Corps of Engineers via email at kristin.l.mcdermott@usace.army.mil by Jan. 9.

Please include the following information in your email: Kent, City of (Mill Creek Reestablishment); NWS-2018-726. All comments are appreciated.

If you have any questions about the project, contact Melissa Dahl in the City Public Works Department at 253-856-6511 or MDahl@KentWA.gov.

An updated map of the Mill Creek Reestablishment project. COURTESY GRAPHIC, City of Kent