SPECIAL UPDATE: Dunn announces plan to acquire former Cedar River Asphalt Plant site for permanent preservation

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am very pleased to share that this morning, after years of advocacy and collaboration, we are taking another major step toward permanently protecting the Cedar River corridor.

My office announced today that King County and the Flood Control District are now working to acquire the former Lakeside Industries property, where a proposed asphalt plant was previously planned, for public ownership and permanent preservation. This means the land—once slated for industrial use—can now be preserved as open space for recreation and public enjoyment for years to come.

You can read the full announcement here.

King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn (left) and Bob Baker of Save the Cedar River (right) stand in front of the lot that will no longer be the site of an asphalt plant near the Cedar River. Photo courtesy of Drew Dotson/Renton Reporter

For years, I’ve been committed to doing everything I can to protect the Cedar River corridor for future generations. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve this land and ensure that the property can be permanently enjoyed by adjacent communities, King County residents, and the broader public.

Thank you to the many community leaders who stood together with me through years of hard work to make this possible. I also want to sincerely thank Lakeside Industries for acting as a good neighbor and conscientious company by opening the door to a purchase.

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“A huge thank you to Reagan Dunn who stood by my side throughout this...I could not be prouder of the ‘Save the Cedar River’ organization and the long, hard hours that each member put in during this challenge. This has been our goal from day one, we could not have asked for a better resolution.” — Bob Baker, Save the Cedar River

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The purchase of this property represents a major win-win for our community and our environment. It’s the direct result of many years of perseverance and partnership, with neighbors and local environmental leaders all working together toward a shared goal of protecting our region’s most treasured natural spaces.

It's been a privilege to work alongside Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, Lakeside Industries, Bob Baker of "Save the Cedar River", Budget Chair Rod Dembowski, and my colleagues at the King County Flood Control District and King County Council as we move toward making this public acquisition a reality.

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"Good governance means being responsive and solution-oriented. We applaud Councilmember Dunn’s announcement that the former proposed Cedar River asphalt plant site acquired by King County is being considered for the site of a future park. This is a win-win solution for our residents, Lakeside Industries, King County and the City of Renton.” — Mayor Armondo Pavone, City of Renton

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Again, thank you to everyone who has stood up for the Cedar River over these past years. Together, we’re making lasting progress for our environment, our communities, and future generations.

All my best,

Reagan Dunn
King County Councilmember
District 9

The White River Bridge is now open!

Councilmember Reagan Dunn, joined by Governor Ferguson, addresses the media to announce the opening of the White River Bridge.

Last week, I was pleased to join Governor Bob Ferguson and WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith at the SR 410 White River Bridge to announce that the White River Bridge was reopening to full, two-way traffic, weeks ahead of schedule. This milestone brings long-awaited relief to families, commuters, and small businesses who have endured major disruptions since the August closure.

From day one, I have been working nonstop and collaborating with every level of government possible to help make this happen — pushing for an expedited repair plan, coordinating with the Governor’s Office and WSDOT, advocating emergency actions to accelerate repairs and provide financial relief to our community, and supporting 24-hour pedestrian-bridge access for emergency vehicles. I was proud to work alongside so many of you, especially our local cities, chambers of commerce, and the Governor’s Office, to help establish the SBA disaster declaration allowing low-interest loans for affected small businesses. I was also pleased to coordinate with King County Metro to extend Route 915 service to the Foothills Trail Bridge.

I want to thank Governor Ferguson for his lightning-quick response to this emergency— I’ve rarely seen government move this fast and decisively. And it came at exactly the right moment. The White River Bridge is a vital artery for our community, connecting families, small businesses, schools, and first responders with nearly 22,000 trips every single day.

Finally, I want to thank all of you in our community. This has been an incredibly challenging time, but your collaboration, compassion, and dedication to helping one another have been truly humbling to witness. I couldn’t be more honored or prouder to represent our community on the King County Council.