The floods of 2019 and 2020 in the McKay Creek Basin revealed a need for solutions to improve flood protection, floodplain connectivity, and aquatic habitat in lower McKay Creek. This multi-benefit planning and design project will identity and plan vitally needed projects, policies, and programs that provide flood conveyance and protection while also improving floodplain connectivity and aquatic habitat for species listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
More information on the identified needs in the McKay Creek Basin Study Report is available here.
The Multi-Benefit Planning and Design Project will include two phases:
Phase 1: Develop a streamlined watershed action plan for lower McKay Creek through regular collaboration with watershed partners and complete 100% design and permitting of two "early-win" multi-benefit projects.
Phase 2: Full construction of projects designed and permitted in Phase 1.
Community Meeting
On Feb. 18, 2026, a community meeting will take place about this project:
Flyer includes a photo of McKay Creek and the text:
A public community meeting will take place tomorrow night in the cafeteria at McKay Creek Elementary School to discuss the McKay Creek Flood & Habitat Protection project.
This meeting will cover:
- Outcomes of a community-funded study
- How a local partnership formed to tackle the complex challenges of McKay Creek
- A long-term plan that identifies actions to reduce flood risk, protect habitat and improve community resilience
- How the City and County respond during flood emergencies
- Two projects to reduce flood risk and protect habitat, including a planned redesign of Community Park and the Kirk Avenue bridge
Meeting Event Details:
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 at McKay Creek Elementary, 1539 SW 44th St, Pendleton, Oregon
You'll hear from the partners working together to improve McKay Creek basin, including the City of Pendleton, Umatilla County, Umatilla County Soil and Water Conservation District, McKay Water Control District, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and natural resource and emergency management agencies
Learn more:
Event information contact:
Donna Biggerstaff, City of Pendleton, 541-966-0220, donna.biggerstaff@pendletonor.gov
Funding
Phase 1 is being funded through a $1.1 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, awarded in February 2025.
1200 Southwest 44th Street
Pendleton, OR 97801
United States
Project Milestones
Community Meeting scheduled at McKay Creek Elementary:
A public community meeting will take place tomorrow night in the cafeteria at McKay Creek Elementary School to discuss the McKay Creek Flood & Habitat Protection project.
This meeting will cover:
- Outcomes of a community-funded study
- How a local partnership formed to tackle the complex challenges of McKay Creek
- A long-term plan that identifies actions to reduce flood risk, protect habitat and improve community resilience
- How the City and County respond during flood emergencies
- Two projects to reduce flood risk and protect habitat, including a planned redesign of Community Park and the Kirk Avenue bridge
Meeting Event Details:
6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 at McKay Creek Elementary, 1539 SW 44th St, Pendleton, Oregon
You'll hear from the partners working together to improve McKay Creek basin, including the City of Pendleton, Umatilla County, Umatilla County Soil and Water Conservation District, McKay Water Control District, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and natural resource and emergency management agencies
Learn more:
Event information contact:
Donna Biggerstaff, City of Pendleton, 541-966-0220, donna.biggerstaff@pendletonor.gov
Meetings and planning continue on project.
KUMA Coffee Hour: November 19 | City of Pendleton
FEMA awarded a $1,097,504.10 grant for Phase 1 of the project (the matching funds of the project are $121,955.90 with $60,970 for management costs). These funds must be used by March 14, 2026.