Stanwood joins WWU-led study of downtown flood risks

A year-long project with Western Washington University is planned to study flood risks in west Stanwood and find options for business and homeowners to protect properties and lower insurance rates.

The Stanwood City Council voted last week to be part of the university’s Sustainable Communities Partnership. The program lets students gain experience while helping solve issues highlighted by the cities. In Stanwood’s case, the issue is a historic downtown that sits in the floodplain of the Stillaguamish River, creating difficulties for those who want to live or run a business there.