New plan will allow King County to plow more county roads after a snowstorm

King County file photo

On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the King County Council unanimously approved a Road Services Division plan to remove snow and ice from more county roads this winter. The plan allows the county to add 70 miles to the existing 583 miles of designated snow routes in unincorporated areas during major storms.

The added miles will help make more roads passable, so more residents will find it easier and safer to travel to and from major corridors after a major storm. The benefits will be spread across unincorporated King County, with a focus on areas more than 500 feet above sea level.

“Last winter, our crews worked around the clock plowing and de-icing hundreds of miles of roads,” said Road Services Director Rick Brater. “It took more than 30 trucks and plows, and 120 highly dedicated employees, to get the job done.

“Even with a great team, we sometimes don’t have enough resources. This Snow and Ice Plan will help us make better use of our limited resources and provide improved service during a very large storm.”

Read the news release

Wet weather brings flooding. Are you prepared?

Flooding in the Snoqualmie Valley forced King County Road Services to close 13 roads in unincorporated King County last month. County crews had prepared for flooding during the summer, and immediately switched from normal daytime hours to two 12-hours shifts for around-the-clock storm and safety response. See the Road Services flooding page for more information.

The best safeguard against flooding is preparedness

Flood season is here, so get ready and stay prepared! Sign up for free King County Flood Alerts. Review floodplain maps. Assemble or update an emergency kit. Make a plan for your family and animals should you need to evacuate. Learn how to use sandbags and know where to get them. Never drive, walk or wade through standing water.

The King County Flood Warning Center is open during flood events 24 hours a day to provide information about flood conditions and forecasts. Call 206-296-8200 or 800-945-9263 (interpreter services are available). For help with these actions and more flood preparedness resources, visit www.kingcounty.gov/floodservices today!

Winter is coming to “Your Big Backyard”

Layer up and enjoy a winter hike—but watch for trail closures.

King County’s parks and trails, which include lower elevation forests, river banks, and wetland areas, can be great places to get outside during winter when other places are affected by snow and poor road conditions. That said, our parks and trails are also affected by winter storms, which can cause flooding, downed trees, and slippery trails. These conditions may require us to close access to certain trails—or even whole parks—for safety and to protect natural resources.

Temporary closures

• Cougar Mountain: Red Town Trailhead is closed until further notice due to a sinkhole in the parking area. Big Tree Ridge Trailhead is closed for construction, and expected to reopen in fall 2020. Harvey Manning Trailhead will be closed Nov. 18-22 to accommodate the asbestos abatement, demolition, and removal of nearby structures (weather permitting).
• Pinnacle Peak Park: A washout closed the Cal Magnusson Trail on Oct. 23. The damage will require significant repair, so it will be several months before the trail is re-opened.
• Snoqualmie Valley Trail: Due to a bridge repair, the trail will be closed just north of Carnation from Oct. 14 through Dec. 13. There is no available detour. King County Parks is replacing worn areas of the bridge that pose a public safety issue. Learn more
• Taylor Mountain Forest: Seasonal trail closures, Oct. 15 – April 15. King County Parks closes some trails to prevent erosion and reduce the sediment choking Holder Creek and Carey Creek, both of which are critical for salmon spawning.

The Washington Trails Association has tips on enjoying winter hiking while staying safe—and see below under Natural Resources & Parks for more Parks project updates.

King County Road Services

Open house on Upper Tokul Creek Bridge replacement

King County Road Services is planning to replace the Upper Tokul Creek Bridge on Tokul Road SE, north of Snoqualmie. Our project design team has been working with the design consultant on possible options for a replacement bridge. The community is invited to a public meeting on Nov. 19 for project updates and to provide comments on the project. The meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Snoqualmie Fire Department (37600 Snoqualmie Parkway).

Learn more on the project website

Proposed speed limit reduction on SE Petrovitsky Road—what do you think? After receiving public comments about speeding on part of SE Petrovitsky Road near Renton, the county studied typical speeds, the number of intersecting streets and driveways, and collision data. We're now proposing to reduce the speed limit from 50 to 45 mph between SE 184th Street and SE Lake Youngs Road (see map). If approved, this speed reduction would take effect at the end of January 2020. We're accepting public comments on this proposal through Friday, Nov. 22. Learn more about the project and how to comment

Community grant applications are due Monday, Nov. 4

If your organization is planning to apply for a King County Community Engagement Grant, applications must be received no later than Monday, Nov. 4. Learn more on the Community Service Areas web page (click the "Grants" tab for details in both English and Spanish).

Ready to fall back? Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday

Last spring, Washington state lawmakers and Governor Jay Inslee approved moving our state to year-round daylight saving time—but you'll still need to turn your clock back on Sunday, Nov. 3. Federal law requires Congress to approve a move to year-round daylight saving time, even though keeping standard time year-round would not require approval. One possible alternative, if Congress does not act, would be to change our state permanently to Mountain Standard Time, which is the same as Pacific Daylight Saving Time but would not require congressional approval. For now we're waiting for the next step, along with 37 other states.  At least this time change will give us an extra hour of sleep!

King County Local Services

Local Services in your community

You don't need to be an explorer to find us! King County Local Services offers regular weekly customer service hours at eight places in unincorporated King County. Drop by and let us know how we can serve you!

Black Diamond Library – Thursdays, 10-3 24707 Roberts Drive, Black Diamond -Local Services: Marissa Alegria Fairwood Library – Wednesdays, 10-3 17009 140th Avenue SE, Renton -Local Services: Marissa Alegria Fall City Library – Fridays, 10-3 33415 SE 42nd Place, Fall City -Local Services: John Taylor Federal Way Library – Tuesdays, 12:30-4:30 848 S 320th Street, Federal Way -Local Services: Susan Oxholm Skyway Library – Wednesdays, 1-5 12601 76th Avenue S -Local Services: Bong Santo Domingo Vashon Chamber of Commerce – Tuesdays, 10-3 17141 Vashon Highway SW, Vashon -Local Services: Bong Santo Domingo -Permits: TBD White Center Library – Thursdays, 1-5 1409 SW 107th Street, Seattle -Local Services: Bong Santo Domingo Woodinville Library – Tuesdays, 10-3 17105 Avondale Road NE, Woodinville -Local Services: Marissa Alegria

Metro Transit

Trailhead Direct ridership increased 75 percent in second full season

Passengers boarded Trailhead Direct for more than 17,500 hikes in the second season of this two-year pilot project led by King County Metro and King County Parks. That's an increase of 75%!

The transit-to-trails service added a fourth route this year, starting at the Tukwila International Boulevard Station and serving some of the nation’s most racially diverse communities. Ridership from Sound Transit’s Capitol Hill Link light rail station to Mount Si more than doubled.

Read news release

Natural Resources & Parks

Create parks and open spaces in your community with King County funding

King County will host three workshops this fall about Conservation Futures grant opportunities for creating parks and open spaces, especially in communities that have been historically underserved with open space investments. The workshops will include time to share ideas about open space needs and brainstorm how communities, eligible nonprofits, the county, and cities can work together to apply for grants. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/cft or email Ingrid Lundin. Local vendors will provide free food, children are welcome, and each site has free parking. To request language interpretation or translation, contact Ana Unpingco (206-263-4192) at least 2-1/2 weeks before the workshop.

Lake City—Thursday, Nov. 7, 6 - 8 p.m.
Seattle Mennonite Church, Back Auditorium
3120 NE 125th Street, Seattle

Kent—Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6 - 8 p.m.
Kent Commons Community Center, Mount Rainier Room
220 Fourth Avenue S, Kent

White Center—Thursday, Dec. 5, 6 - 8 p.m.
TAF Bethaday Community Learning Space Multipurpose Room at Dick Thurnau Park
605 SW 108th Street, Seattle

Crossroads (Bellevue)—Monday, Dec. 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Crossroads Community Center, Community Room
16000 NE 10th Street, Bellevue

Help restore Seola Pond in White Center and learn how to control invasive weeds

King County’s new Healthy Lands Project is working to support the community-led project to restore Seola Pond in White Center. Join us for a community open house about the effort—and how to control invasive weeds—on Nov. 21, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Grace Church (10323 28th Avenue SW, Seattle). Then on Dec. 7, we need volunteers for a work party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the pond (30th Avenue SW in White Center, between SW 104th and SW 106th streets). Kids and families are welcome. Each volunteer will receive a free native plant for their home. For more information, contact Marta Olson or visit kingcounty.gov/weeds/healthylands.

When it rains, think about storm drains Here's a simple way to protect your property during heavy rainfall that can cause flooding, erosion, and sediment problems. If you have drains on or near your property, make sure they are clear of leaves and trash. If you spot drainage or flooding problems, call King County's Drainage and Water Quality complaint investigators at 206-477-4811 or use the "Report a Problem" link at www.kingcounty.gov/stormwater.

Parks project updates

• Foothills Trail extension (SE King County)—King County is extending the Foothills Trail from Enumclaw to the historic Boise Creek Bridge. Construction is underway. The first three quarters of a mile should be finished and open to the public by the end of October. The next section, which includes the bridge, will be built in 2020.
• Maury Island Natural Area cleanup (Vashon-Maury Island)—Cleanup of contaminated soil in the Maury Island Natural Area is about 25% complete. This first phase is expected to last into December. The park is open but some trail sections will be temporarily closed. The construction plans, showing which trails are being capped and how, are available online.
• Petrovitsky Park playground (West King County)—King County Parks has replaced the play areas at Petrovitsky Park with new equipment, completing the 13 play area rehabilitations we promised as part of the 2014-2019 King County Parks, Trails and Open Space Replacement Levy.
• Steve Cox Memorial Park restroom replacement (West King County)—Construction is underway to install Portland Loo single-user restrooms at the park. The first set, near the recently completed synthetic turf athletic fields, will be open by the end of November. We expect to install the second set near the play area later this year.
• Updated restrooms for Five Mile Lake Park (West King County)—King County Parks is improving the restrooms at Five Mile Lake Park in November and December, during the park's usual winter closure. Improvements include new fixtures, faucets, and stalls. The park will reopen in the spring on schedule.

Community & Human Services

Grants available to help engage veterans

The Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy has a new funding opportunity called Vets Engaged, to fund community-building activities or events that help vets and their families strengthen their social networks. Organizations can propose events or activities that will bring veterans together (with non-veterans too), from physical or creative activities to helping veteran families attend a water park together. For more information on the funding and how to apply, see the Vets Engaged website.

Office of Emergency Management

Free disaster skills training workshops

The following workshops are free to King County residents, but space is limited so registration is required. The training will provide an overview on hazards and skills needed after a disaster. Topics will include local hazards, utility control, water storage/purification, emergency sanitation, creating family emergency plans, and ways to make it through events that might disrupt your normal daily routine.

Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30-8 p.m.
Shoreline Library
345 NE 175th Street, Shoreline

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6:30-8 p.m.
SeaTac Valley View Library
17850 Military Road S, SeaTac

For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please email Sophia Lopez or call her at 206-205-6545. Requests should be made at least 14 calendar days before the workshop.

Upcoming community meetings

Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage

No meetings scheduled for November or December.
See website for the latest information and to confirm meetings.

Enumclaw Plateau Community Association

Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Enumclaw Library
1700 First Street, Enumclaw

Check the website for the latest meeting information.

Fall City Community Association

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7-9 p.m.
Fall City Fire Department
4301 334th Place SE, Fall City

The Fall City Community Association promotes building of community, proactively communicates on local issues, and takes action on selected issues that affect the Fall City community. Open to the public. For more information, email Ashley Glennon. 

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 7-9 p.m.
Eastside Fire & Rescue Station 78
20720 SE May Valley Road, Issaquah

Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

Monday, Nov. 4, 7-9:30 p.m.
Maple Valley Fire Station
Southeast corner of SE 231st Street and SR-169 intersection

Guest Speaker: Mike Birdsall, independent traffic expert—Issaquah-Black Diamond Road Traffic Count Study. Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meetings.

Green Valley/Lake Holm Association Meeting

No meetings scheduled for November or December. Regular association meetings will resume in January 2020, on the last Wednesday of each month.

Regular meeting agenda items include committee updates on transportation, environment, and safety. Questions, concerns, or comments are always welcome and can be submitted to gvlhassn@gmail.com. For association updates and information, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council

Thursday, Nov. 7, 7-9 p.m.
North Highline Fire District
1243 SW 112th Street
White Center
(Parking and entrance are in the back of the station)

Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Liz Giba.

Skyway Solutions Community Development Association

Monday, Nov. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ukrainian Community Center
13470 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Seattle

Meetings are open to the public. Skyway Solutions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in unincorporated Skyway. For more information call 206-706-6400.

Upper Bear Creek Community Council

No meeting scheduled for November.
Visit the website or Facebook page for the latest information and to confirm meetings.

West Hill Community Association Board Meeting

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 7-9 p.m.
Skyway Fire District 20
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle

Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers as well as community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, visit the website or send email to contact@mywesthill.org. 

Contact King County Local Services

• Email: AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov
• Phone: 206-477-3800 (Relay 711)
• Website: www.kingcounty.gov/local-services

Unincorporated Area Community News is published monthly by the King County Department of Local Services. Please direct questions or comments to Anna Clemenger, anna.clemenger@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-3839.

View online at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKING/bulletins/269a9e6
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