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Local Services
Fall City Wastewater Project reaches milestone
After decades of advocacy and work by King County and community partners, Local Services is preparing to break ground on the Fall City Wastewater Project in the spring.
“It’s (been) years of working with the community and advocating for this project, which is going to greatly improve Fall City’s historic business district,” said Project Manager Jeff Wilson. “I think a lot of us involved in this work are excited about what’s going to happen in the new year.”
Given the rural nature of the area, all wastewater in Fall City is treated with traditional septic systems that use an on-site septic tank and drain field. Without available undeveloped land next to the business district, businesses have not been able to repair or upgrade their existing septic systems—many of which are antiquated or failing.
After several attempts to solve the issue with a sewer system approach, King County finally found success by strategizing a more cost-effective solution: a Large On-Site Sewage System (LOSS) managed by the Washington State Department of Health. This allowed King County to design a community sewer system for the Fall City Business District that treats wastewater to near-drinking water standards and then disposes of it in a subsurface drain field.
Bidding on the contract to build the new system will close Jan. 9. Groundbreaking should take place in March or April of 2024, with project completion expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
Learn more on this King County Local Blog post
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Local Services looks back at top accomplishments in 2023
The folks at King County Local Services are wrapping up their fifth year of delivering government services to unincorporated parts of King County.
As the region continued to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, Local Services teams worked to empower residents, help businesses thrive, help communities plan for their future, and help fish return to creeks and streams.
Top accomplishments include getting well started on a second round of Participatory Budgeting, launching the King County Economic Alliance, finalizing plans for a wastewater project in the Fall City Business District, and continuing to give away money through targeted grant programs.
Read more on the King County Local Blog
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Road Services
2023 investments will pay off in 2024, for people and fish
 Photo: In 2023, fish returned to streams all over King County, including this one at 284th Avenue SE near Enumclaw. Salmon and some other fish are serious travelers — born in fresh water (i.e., rivers and streams), they spend most of their lives in the ocean and then return home to lay and fertilize their eggs.
King County Road Services replaced three culverts in 2023 to help prevent flooding and improve fish passage. The three projects replaced culverts in the following places:
► Between Enumclaw and Auburn on SE 380th Place
► West of Duvall on NE Woodinville Duvall Road and NE172nd Street
► South of Enumclaw on 284th Avenue SE (pictured above)
Old culverts — enclosed channels that carry water under a roadway — are often metal pipes that can rust or become clogged over time. They may also be too small to accommodate extra water during heavy rains or flooding.
New culverts, like the three installed last year, are large, concrete, box-shaped channels whose floors mimic a natural stream bed. They can accommodate extra water and they also help connect fish with their historic spawning areas. Road Services works with the Department of Natural Resources and Parks to eliminate barriers to fish mobility in our region and provide for successful passage within the habitat. (Learn more on the county's Fish Passage Restoration Program website)
Metro Transit
Ride transit fare-free—from football to fireworks—on New Year’s Eve!
King County Metro, Sound Transit, and other regional transit partners are teaming up to provide free rides for New Year’s Eve.
Beginning on Dec. 31, riders can travel without paying fares on King County Metro, Water Taxi, Metro Flex, Sound Transit Link, Sounder trains, Community Transit, Everett Transit, and the Seattle Streetcar.
Find details on the Metro Matters blog
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Natural Resources and Parks
County to begin seeking input on priorities for proposed 2026‑2031 parks levy
The current (2020-2025) King County Parks Levy funds operations and maintenance of King County's parks and trails, supports the growth and connection of regional trails, and establishes grant programs to expand access to recreation and protect open space for King County residents. (Learn more on the King County website)
Starting next year, King County parks will begin gathering input from communities across the county on what they would like to prioritize in a proposed 2026-2031 levy. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
► Invite a staff member to your community meeting between late January and mid-April to talk about the levy and gather feedback.
► Invite the Parks Mobile Engagement Team to a community event between late January and mid-April to table, provide information, chat with people, and get input on the levy.
► If you're interested in getting more involved and have an event on the calendar for April, Parks is looking for up to three groups to host them at an event that would serve as a Parks Levy community forum. Groups who host these events will be paid $75/hour and can be as involved as they’d like—anything from simply providing space for a table to co-planning, co-hosting, and shaping engagement.
► In March and April, Parks will put out a virtual survey and host in-person and virtual community forums to collect input.
To learn more about these options, contact Project Manager Helen Potter (hpotter@kingcounty.gov).
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Hazard Management
Travel safely in winter weather
Here's the best advice for keeping you and your family safe while traveling: if you don’t have to go out in severe winter weather, don’t. Keep your groceries, medications, and other necessities stocked up. With the right supplies, you can wait out even the worst conditions.
A few more tips:
► Keep the hood and roof of your vehicle clear of snow and ice.
► Make sure your vehicle is winter ready by getting it serviced.
► Replace windshield wiper blades and check the tread on your tires.
► Have a winter weather kit in your vehicle. Include the following:
• Jumper cables
• Road flares
• Small shovel
• First aid kit
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• Food and water
• Cold weather gear
• Emergency blankets
For more preparedness resources and information, visit kingcounty.gov/prepare and takewinterbystorm.org.
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Public Health
Free medical, dental, and vision care will be offered at the Seattle Center Feb. 15-18
The Seattle/King County Clinic will provide FREE medical, dental and vision care to anyone who struggles to afford or access healthcare at Seattle Center for four days at the Seattle Center.
No ID is required, interpreters will be available, and you do not have to be a resident of Seattle or King County to receive services.
A limited number of admission tickets will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis each day starting at 5:30 am at Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center.
Learn more at seattlecenter.org/patients. Flyers are available on the website in English and 17 other languages.
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Toxic algae in King County lakes – keep dogs out of water; follow posted signs before swimming
Due to toxic algae blooms, Public Health – Seattle & King County recommended in a Dec. 22 news release that you keep your pets away from the water in King County lakes where algae is visible. Don’t allow pets to drink the water or get it on their fur.
People should follow posted guidance at parks and beaches. Avoid going into the water at any lake where you can see algae, or where there is an advisory posted. Remember, when in doubt, stay out.
► Read the Dec. 22 news release
► Learn about toxic algae on the Washington State Department of Health website
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Animal Services
Looking for a new furry family member?
Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) often has more dogs than they comfortably have space for, and adoptive and temporary foster families are needed.
If you’d like to add a friendly canine to your household or become a foster family, get more information at kingcounty.gov/pets or stop in to take a look!
RASKC is at 21615 64th Avenue S in Kent. They're open weekdays from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Photo: Watson is RASKC's pet of the week for Dec. 22. Learn more about him on the Tails from RASKC website
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King County International Airport-Boeing Field
Airport launches Vision 2045
 Photo: an aircraft takes off toward Mt. Rainier
King County International Airport-Boeing Field is beginning a two-year project to develop its Vision 2045 Master Plan and Noise Study. Vision 2045 will fulfill the requirements of a Federal Aviation Administration Master Plan with extensive public engagement and emphasis on King County values. For more information, see the recent article in the airport's Plane Talk e-newsletter.
One of the first tasks for this project is to develop a community participation plan. This plan will be guided by a community engagement report planned for completion during the first quarter of 2024. To get involved in development of the community participation plan or any other part of this project, contact KCIACommunityOutreach@kingcounty.gov.
Environment
Are you interested in building green in King County?
King County’s Green Building Handbook is a guide to help homeowners, designers, and contractors make material, design, and purchasing choices. It covers topics from increasing efficiency in your building project to earning recognition through green building certification programs.
County staffers are planning to create a new, updated Green Building Handbook by next fall. They would like to know about any barriers you have encountered with the current one, as well as your needs and priorities related to using this tool and other green building resources.
Please take this survey by January 5 to share how you use (or don’t use) the Green Building Handbook and how King County can best meet your green building needs.
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Reminders
Here are some highlights from past stories that are still relevant today.
► Report an issue to King County Parks — The best way to let Parks staff members know about a maintenance issue is to submit a ticket on SeeClickFix. You can also check back to see if your issue has been addressed.
► Storefront Repair grant application deadline extended to Jan. 31 — Businesses with up to 25 employees and commercial property owners in unincorporated King County can apply for up to $5,000 to repair vandalism damage to commercial buildings. Applications will now be accepted through the end of January or until funds are used up. Learn more and apply
► Apply for County Conservation Futures grants by Feb. 12 — These grants help government agencies and qualified nonprofits buy or preserve open spaces and parks for passive recreation. Learn more, sign up for workshops, and apply on the Conservation Futures website. Contact Ingrid.Lundin@kingcounty.gov with questions.
► WSU Extension Forest Stewardship Coached Planning courses — Learn everything you need to know about caring for your forested or wooded property. Preregistration is required.
1. Online Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course – starts Jan. 18. Cost: $150.
2. In-person course on Vashon Island – starts Feb. 21. Cost $175.
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Rural Area News
Joint Rural Area Team provides testimony on King County’s code enforcement audit
On Nov. 28, several Joint Team organizations provided testimony before the King County Council's Local Services and Land Use Committee about the recently completed audit of the King County Local Services Code Enforcement section.
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Coordinator, Joint Rural Area Team
Greater Maple Valley News
Area council submits comments to state on landfill methane emissions
On Dec. 13, the Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council submitted comments to the Washington State Department of Ecology on its newly proposed rules for landfill methane emissions. View a copy of the letter on the council's website
—Submitted by LarKen Buchanan, Chair, Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council Environmental Committee
:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton
See blog for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
:: Enumclaw Plateau Community Association
Third Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Muckleshoot Library (King County Library branch)
39917 Auburn Enumclaw Road SE, Auburn
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information email Nancy Merrill.
:: Fall City Community Association
First Tuesdays – Hybrid meeting (virtual and in-person, 7-8:30 pm)
Fall City Fire Department meeting room
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. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org or email send email.
:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.
:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, Jan. 8, 7-9:30 pm – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station
22225 SE 231st St (across from the King County Sheriff’s Precinct #3)
Visit the website for the agenda and Zoom information, which will be posted several days before the meeting.
:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association
The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. They engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their Facebook page.
:: North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
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.
:: Skywest Tool Library
Working to start a new tool library in Skyway. The purpose of the library will be to share ideas, teach, learn, and borrow tools and more. To learn more, email HNA71@msn.com.
:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council
For information about the council, call Nancy Stafford at 425-788-5841 or visit the Facebook page and/or website. (Note: both the Facebook page and the website are currently being updated.)
:: Vashon Chamber of Commerce
Send email or visit the website.
:: Vashon-Maury Community Council
Meetings are open to all and are held on the third Thursday of each month, both online and in-person. Topics include affordable housing, ferries, election candidates, transportation, aviation noise, and more. The council sets up committees and passes resolutions to King County and other organizations as needed. Voting membership is free and open to residents 18 and older. To learn more, visit the website.
:: West Hill Community Association
Meetings are in person or via Zoom
Skyway Fire District 20 Admin Building
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, send email or visit the website.
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