Construction to begin on Fall City wastewater project
King County will begin construction this month on a project that will build a new on-site community septic system and pre-treatment facility for downtown businesses in Fall City.
This project will replace multiple failing on-site septic systems that have limited local business growth and put local waterways at risk of contamination.
The new system will include an underground on-site treatment facility at Bernard Memorial Park. The facility will collect wastewater from 46 local businesses and residences in the Fall City business district and clean it to the highest standards set by the Washington State Department of Health.
Construction will continue through mid-2026. Stay up to date on road closures in the area by visiting the My Commute website.
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Road Services
Speed limit reductions proposed for southeast King County
  This map shows one of two areas where speed limit changes are proposed.
In response to community requests for improved safety measures, King County Road Services is proposing to lower speed limits along two sections of road in southeast King County. Both reductions will match existing speed limits posted nearby, providing consistency for drivers along these corridors. Members of the public may comment on these proposed changes through August 6 by using each project's online feedback form.
1. On SE Lake Holm Road between Auburn and Black Diamond, the county proposes to lower the speed limit from 40 mph to 35 mph from Lake Moneysmith Road to SE Black Diamond Road (see map above). Comment on this proposal
2. In Fairwood, the county proposes to lower the speed limit on 140th Avenue SE between the Renton city limit and SE 192nd Street from 40 mph to 35 mph. Comment on this proposal
Learn more about these proposals, including a list of ways in which lower speed limits help keep roadways safe for all.
Permits
Meet King County's new Fire Marshal
With more than two decades of experience in fire safety, Eric Urban was more than ready to step into the role of King County Fire Marshal after his predecessor, Chris Ricketts, retired.
"I have a strong passion for public safety and administering fire code," Urban said, adding that he recognizes the dynamic nature of fire and building codes and makes it a priority to stay informed and engaged with the latest developments.
The fire marshal oversees building and fire safety for residents and businesses in unincorporated King County. In summer, he also provides guidance for heat safety, declares fire safety burn bans when needed, and reinforces the county's ban on illegal fireworks in unincorporated areas.
Summertime can be fun, Urban said, "but it also demands vigilance." People should keep the increased risk of fire in mind when enjoying the outdoors. Follow fire safety burn ban requirements, make sure outdoor grills are maintained, and make sure any camp or recreational fires are completely extinguished before leaving the area.
► Read more about Eric Urban on the King County Local blog
► Visit the King County Fire Safety web page for burn ban information and current status
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Public Health
Share your thoughts about proposed rule changes for on‑site sewage/septic systems
Public Health – Seattle & King County is revising the rules for on-site sewage/septic systems in King County this year. Share your thoughts and feedback in the following ways:
• Take the online survey, which takes about 10 minutes and asks for feedback about specific proposed code/rule changes.
• Join a virtual public meeting Thursday, August 8, 5-7 pm
Anyone who lives, works, or plays in King County is welcome. Register online
Learn more about the code revision process on the King County website.
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Join the King County Board of Health
Applications are due August 6
The Board of Health is accepting applications for an open community position to join the board in 2025. The vacancy is for a consumer of public health alternate position, representing King County residents who have faced significant health inequities and have lived experience with public health-related programs such as Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and home visiting or treatment services.
Applications to join the board are open to King County residents who share a commitment to public health principles and addressing racism as a public health crisis. Applications are due August 6. The King County Council will appoint members before the end of the year, and new members will begin their terms on January 1, 2025.
If you’re interested, fill out this application form by August 6, 2024. Learn more on the Public Health Insider.
Metro Transit
Coming this fall: new RapidRide G Line and more bus service
King County Metro is increasing transit service this fall, including adding more than 3,700 new bus trips each week, launching the RapidRide G Line in Seattle, connecting buses to new Sound Transit light rail stations, and expanding Metro Flex to Northshore.
Starting September 14, Metro is expanding evening and weekend transit service and launching its eighth RapidRide – the G Line – which will provide fast and frequent service through downtown Seattle, First Hill, Capitol Hill, the Central District, and Madison Valley.
► Learn more on the Metro Matters blog
► Visit Metro's service change web page
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4Culture
Apply by Sept. 4 for grant funding from 4Culture
King County's cultural funding agency is accepting applications for two grant programs:
► Sustained Support – to assist with the day-to-day needs of arts organizations
► Doors Open Facilities – these one-time grants help organizations acquire, build, or renovate the brick-and-mortar buildings and spaces that make cultural experiences possible
Applications for both grants are due September 4.
Last December, the King County Council unanimously passed Doors Open legislation to increase funding to the county’s arts, heritage, science, and historic preservation non-profit organizations through a 0.1% sales tax. 4Culture is the county’s designated agency to distribute these funds, which are expected to total about $100 million per year.
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Washington State University Extension
Upcoming learning opportunities for King County forest and woodland owners
1. A forest stewardship course for King County property owners will be held Tuesday nights starting September 3 in Preston. Learn how to improve the health, resilience, and habitat of your wooded property, as well as how to write your own personalized forest stewardship plan that could help otherwise qualifying landowners save money on property taxes through King County's Public Benefit Rating System program. Participants will receive a site visit to their property by a professional forester. Cost: $150. Pre-registration is required.
2. Invasive forest weed control field practicum for property owners – August 23 in Auburn. Invasive weeds cause serious harm to woodlands by taking over ecosystems, crowding out native species, degrading wildlife habitat, and increasing erosion. Some are dangerously toxic to humans and animals. Participants in this field practicum will see a variety of both chemical and non-chemical control methods demonstrated step by step, followed by hands-on practice to learn to identify and control some of the most common invasive weeds that plague wooded properties in King County. Cost: $20 per individual or $30 per household. Pre-registration is required.
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Reminder
► Catch the Wastemobile at a location near you! Bring your old batteries, oil‑based paint, antifreeze, pesticides, and more to the Wastemobile for safe, no‑cost disposal. Check the website for accepted items, quantity limits, and the complete 2024 schedule.
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Rural Area news
Joint Rural Area Team submits letter to Growth Management Planning Council on growth target reconciliation process
On July 22, the Joint Team submitted a detailed Comment Letter to the Growth Management Planning Council regarding its contemplation of a growth target reconciliation process and specific requests made by three cities for adjustments.
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Coordinator, Joint Rural Area Team
:: 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, August 5, 7-9 pm – in person (no Zoom for this month only)
Special location (this month only):
Shadow Lake Community Beach
18961 SE 216 Street
Topics will include the upcoming Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Community Service Area Subarea Plan and the ongoing 2024 King County Comprehensive Plan Major Ten-Year Update.
Visit the website for meeting agendas and Zoom information, which are posted several days before each 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.
:: Skyway Business Collective
The Skyway Business Collective aims to drive economic growth for entrepreneurs and small business owners living or working in Skyway, and to create a supportive and inclusive space for small businesses to grow, connect, and thrive through free professional services tailored to the business's needs. Learn more at www.skywaybusinesscollective.org
:: Skyway Coalition
See the coalition's website.
:: 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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