As Chair of the Regional Water Quality Committee, protecting our water for the health of our people, our wildlife, and our environment is one of my top priorities. Today, I was pleased to join Executive Dow Constantine, senior officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), congressional staff, and leadership from King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) on a tour of the West Point Treatment Plant to announce a nearly $500 million loan package from the EPA for fourteen critical infrastructure upgrades to King County’s regional wastewater treatment system.
With this funding, we will be able to complete projects that will help protect water quality in the Puget Sound region for decades to come, including seismic upgrades at two regional wastewater treatment plants, improvements to the recycled water system, upgrades to miles of conveyance and sewer pipes, and more. The initial installment of $194 million, funded by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, will save King County ratepayers $19.8 million in interest fees. I am thrilled that, with this support from the federal government, we’ll be able to make our wastewater treatment system safer, more reliable, and more resilient.
Help shape the upcoming King County Parks Levy!
One of the best things about living in King County is our beautiful trails and parks which give everyone access to green space, fresh air, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The King County Parks Levy, a voter-approved property tax, supports city and regional parks, trails, and open space in every part of King County.
King County Parks is beginning the work to put together a plan to renew the Parks Levy and wants to hear from you about what you want to see included in a new version of the levy. How would you change or maintain current levy investments to improve our parks and outdoor spaces? Take the Parks Levy survey today and you can help shape our parks for years to come (plus you can enter to win two tickets to any Marymoor Live concert!)!
Road safety is a matter of life and death
As the Seattle Times reported last week, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission says that they expect the final tally of 2023 traffic fatalities in Washington State to surpass 800 deaths. That’s the most our state has seen since 1990.
As families and friends mourn the loss of their loved ones, those of us who make funding and policy choices about our roads must take action. That’s why during my time as President of the Puget Sound Regional Council I pushed for us to make road safety a top priority in our Regional Transportation Plan. Speed kills and we know that drivers go at the speed invited by road design, not the number on a speed limit sign. We’re working with our county and city partners to drive the region to build safer roadways. Together, we can avert more senseless, preventable deaths on our roads.
Interested in elections and serving your community?
The King County Citizens’ Election Oversight Committee (CEOC) plays a vital role in making our elections free, fair, and transparent. Made up of 16 members representing a diverse array of perspectives, they make recommendations to the King County Council on how to improve the performance, accountability, and transparency of our Elections Department.
They currently have openings for a member from the Vietnamese-speaking community and a member from the disability community. If you represent either of these communities, you can apply by Monday, April 1 to be a part of this important work!
Spread the word!
Please forward this email widely and invite others to sign-up to my email updates to receive important and timely information for District 6 constituents.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
District 6
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