Repairs to the North Fork Skagit River levee system to provide flood protection in the city of Mount Vernon, Washington, begins today.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) begins construction on the right bank of the Skagit River at Dike District #1, damaged after the December 2025 flood event.
The Skagit River Dike District #1 levee, located on the North Fork, approximately 3.8 miles southeast of Mount Vernon, Washington, is designed to provide 50-year flood protection for residential and agricultural lands in the Skagit Delta.
The repair effort in 2026 is funded under Public Law 84-99 (PL 84-99), which authorizes USACE to repair or restore eligible flood risk reduction works damaged by recent flooding. The work includes restoring the protective levee by placing large armor rock to re-establish the levee prism, and for erosion protection.
The primary measure of success for the PL 84-99 levee rehabilitation program is to restore flood protection in a timely and accurate manner, before next flood season.
The Army Civil Works 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' initiative enables USACE to deliver critical projects and programs, including PL. 84-99, for the nation more efficiently and sooner. USACE works with local sponsors to protect life and property by helping complete projects that would otherwise take years to accomplish.
USACE coordinates with federal, tribal, state and local agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Environmental Protection Agency, federally recognized American Indian Tribes, Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Washington State Department of Ecology and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Seattle District's Emergency Management Branch provides response services for national and natural disasters, minimizing damage and helping in recovery efforts.
The PL 84-99 Levee Rehabilitation Program also enables USACE to assist tribal, state and local authorities in flood fight activities upon request. Private residents and businesses needing assistance should work through their local government organizations.
Contact Seattle District Public Affairs Email: dll-cenws-pa@usace.army.mil