Economic Outcomes of Urban Floodplain Restoration

Resource Type: Fact Sheet & Blog

Source: American Rivers

Restoration funding in the Puget Sound and across the country is generated from tax revenue. Over 50% of Washington’s revenue comes from sales, business & occupancy and property taxes. Preliminary estimates show the state could lose $7 billion in revenue due to COVID-19 – potentially resulting in deep cuts across the board, including a decrease in restoration funding as salmon and Southern Resident orca populations continue to decline and flood risk intensifies.  While COVID presents unprecedented challenges, funding shortfalls are common in the state budget, and competition for funding is fierce. Moving forward, it will be even more essential for policymakers to understand the revenue implications of their funding decisions and invest in programs that will accomplish multiple benefits while showing a high return on their investment.