Councilmember Reagan Dunn, joined by Governor Ferguson, addresses the media to announce the opening of the White River Bridge.
Last week, I had the honor of joining Governor Bob Ferguson and WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith at the SR 410 White River Bridge to announce that the bridge was reopening to full, two-way traffic, weeks ahead of schedule. This milestone brought 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, supporting 24-hour pedestrian-bridge access for emergency vehicles, coordinating with King County Metro to extend Route 915 service, helping establish the SBA disaster deceleration, and much more.
Governor Ferguson’s lightning-quick response was remarkable — 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.
However, there is more to do. The issue of bridge strikes is getting worse, not better. These incidents impose heavy costs, not just due to repairs, but also in lost time, risks to public safety, disrupted freight movement, and significant economic harm. That is why, yesterday, I wrote to WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith urging stronger action to prevent bridge strikes throughout our region.
Read the full story on FOX13: King County councilmember urges 'Stupid Motorist Law' to hold semi-truck drivers responsible for bridge strikes
In my letter, I proposed the development of a “Stupid Motorist Law” that would hold those who drive extremely tall loads on our roads accountable, in addition to other countermeasures to prevent future bridge and overpass strikes across Washington.
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My letter also requested:
- WSDOT conduct a comprehensive root-cause review of recent bridge and overpass strikes;
- Continued support for Governor Ferguson’s ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure protections, including improved signage and detection systems; and
- State leaders explore stronger accountability measures for negligent drivers, such as adopting laws that impose steeper fines or administrative penalties for over-height violations and repeat offenders, and holding commercial operators more responsible for damages to public infrastructure.
I look forward to continuing to work together with the Governor and state lawmakers to prevent future incidents and strengthen the safety and reliability of Washington’s transportation network.
I am very pleased to share that, after years of advocacy and collaboration, we are taking another major step toward permanently protecting the Cedar River corridor.
My office announced this week 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 Lakeside Industries, Bob Baker of "Save the Cedar River", Budget Chair Rod Dembowski, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, and my colleagues at the King County Flood Control District and King County Council as we move toward making this public acquisition a reality.
 Ballots have been mailed for the 2025 General Election. Voters who have not received their ballots can call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).
USPS is recommending that voters mail their ballots back at least one week before Election Day, which lands on Vote Early Day, October 28. Ballots mailed back in the last days before Election Day are not guaranteed that all-important on-time postmark. After October 28, a drop box is the best way to return your ballot.
King County Elections recommends that, if you’re voting in the final days or on Election Day, use a drop box. Drop boxes close at 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day, November 4.
King County Elections is here to help. If you or a voter needs any help getting registered or casting a ballot in this election, give them a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683) or email elections@kingcounty.gov. They are here to help whether that’s providing accurate and reliable election information, an opportunity to use an accessible voting unit, or getting a replacement ballot out in the mail. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Over the past few years, I've had the privilege of presenting District 9 foodbanks with over $75,000 in King County grants. If you are a part of an organization that helps provide food security, please email my office at Reagan.Dunn@kingcounty.gov regarding funding needs or any other ways that my office can be of help!
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Thank you to the Maple Valley Food Bank and Emergency Services, The Storehouse, Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank, Plateau Outreach Ministries, and so many others for all you do for our community! |
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