Oct. 9, 2008
King County Executive cuts staff, reorganizes office for better performance
Today Executive Ron Sims transmitted legislation to the council trimming his own offices while implementing a countywide performance management and accountability system called for by the Performance and Accountability Act championed by King County Councilmember Jane Hague.
Oct. 9, 2008
Help restore native fish and wildlife habitat at Duwamish Alive! clean-up, planting event, Oct. 11
Don't miss a great chance to work alongside other volunteers this Saturday at the Duwamish Alive! clean-up and habitat restoration event. Set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this annual event needs volunteers to pick up debris and remove invasive plant species, then plant native vegetation at eight different locations along the Duwamish River.
Oct. 7, 2008
Gardening tips, plant sale, information and tours offered at South Plant event, Oct. 18
Visit a demonstration greenhouse garden, learn about innovative stormwater treatment and get plant advice from Master Gardener volunteers at a free public event hosted by King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division on Saturday, Oct. 18.
Oct. 7, 2008
Workshop for floodplain farmers set for Oct. 28
Farmers who work the rich bottomlands along King County rivers can learn more about flood preparedness, flood recovery and beneficial changes to building rules to help them better protect their livestock and livelihoods, at an Oct. 28 workshop.
Oct. 7, 2008
Rechargeable battery recycling efforts earn King County national award
The King County Solid Waste Division, a recognized leader in environmental stewardship, has received a national award for its battery recycling efforts from the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC).
Oct. 7, 2008
Sewer utility work to close portion of Lake Washington Boulevard, Oct. 11
A sewer construction project needed to protect public health and the environment in Seattle's Madrona neighborhood will prompt a one-day closure of a portion of Lake Washington Boulevard on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Oct. 6, 2008
Approved 2008 Comprehensive Plan promotes equity, predictability and environmental protections
King County Executive Ron Sims' 2008 Comprehensive Plan update was approved today by the King County Council. This is the first of King County's Comprehensive Plan updates to address global issues such as climate change and equity and social justice.
Oct. 6, 2008
New savings and efficiencies in King County budget by filling vacant office space
The first cost-savings cut in the proposed 2009 budget will come from King County Executive Ron Sims' office. Savings of nearly $4 million are possible from Executive Sims' recommendation to maximize use of county property and consolidate more functions into the county's new Chinook Building. The building's vacant 8th floor would be put to use and leases for space in the Columbia Center would be terminated this December under the proposal.
Oct. 3, 2008
Leaders stress that now is the time to plan for rising water in flood-prone areas
Recognizing October as "Flood Awareness Month," King County Flood Control District Board Members Julia Patterson and Reagan Dunn and King County Executive Ron Sims today urged residents living in flood-prone areas to prepare for the possibility of rising rivers and streams with a personal flood-preparedness plan.
Oct. 3, 2008
Ballots in the mail for Americans abroad
Today King County Elections mailed 15,419 ballots to voters living overseas, out of the state or who serve in the military; two days before the state deadline. The early mailing allows extra transit time for voters to receive and return their mail ballots for the upcoming General Election and meets the United States Department of Justice's recommended timeframe.
Oct. 3, 2008
Want to vote in November? You have to register first
The deadline for most voters to register to vote or update their registration information is fast approaching: tomorrow. Saturday, Oct. 4 is the last day for mail in and online voter registrations and transfers for the Nov. 4 General Election. Voters not currently registered in Washington have until Oct. 20 to register in-person to vote at the King County Elections office in Renton.
Oct. 3, 2008
Green building could get King County grants
King County has more green buildings than any other county in the United States – and there’s room for even more sustainably designed and built projects.
Oct. 3, 2008
Discuss possible bus changes at
upcoming community meetings
Share your opinion about ideas for future bus service in Southeast Seattle and Southwest King County at one of eight upcoming community discussions hosted by King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit. Or, if you can’t attend a meeting, you can still provide feedback by online questionnaire, email, phone, or letter.
Oct. 2, 2008
King County and Maple Valley sign agreement on joint planning of Summit Pit property
King County and the City of Maple Valley have signed a memorandum of agreement to work together on a joint planning process to decide the appropriate zoning for the Summit Pit property in Southeast King County, also known as "the Donut Hole."
Oct. 1, 2008
King County going electric to cut fuel consumption
King County is writing the next chapter in the effort to turn the corner on climate change – one it hopes will help spur consumer demand for electric and battery powered vehicles for the public benefit. As part of his strategic initiative to cut fuel consumption and harmful carbon emissions, King County Executive Ron Sims today unveiled a five-point plan to support the national switch to electric automobiles. The 2008 Electric Vehicle Report provides a blueprint for new standards for government fleets, provides incentives for using clean alternatives to fossil fuels, continues the county's participation in a national plug-in vehicle demonstration project, and looks to new electric vehicle technology as the key to energy efficient transportation for the coming decade
Oct. 1, 2008
King County honors sustainably designed, built projects with ‘Greening in Place’ awards
Environmentally sustainable building design and construction in King County took center stage recently when King County Executive Ron Sims announced the 2008 “Greening in Place” awards.
Sept. 29, 2008
New trees coming to Steve Cox Memorial Park as King County removes diseased, unsafe trees
About 30 old and diseased poplar trees are being removed from Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, and the King County Parks and Recreation Division is making plans to replant new trees within the next few weeks.
Sept. 29, 2008
You've moved your furniture, your clothes, the kids and the dog... But what about your vote?
Time is running out for people who recently moved to update their address or register to vote in time to participate in the historical Nov. 4 General Election. The deadline to register to vote online, by mail or change your address is Saturday, Oct. 4.
Sept. 25, 2008
King County Executive signs land deal to sell Summit Pit property to housing developer
King County Executive Ron Sims today signed a purchase and sale agreement with Yarrow Bay Group for the 156 acre Summit Pit property making possible future housing for a broad range of incomes in southeast King County, new parks and trails and millions in new revenue for the City of Maple Valley. The Executive also announced he is negotiating with Maple Valley to ensure the city is directly involved in any future development discussions and planning efforts for property uses.
Sept. 25, 2008
Experienced criminal justice manager chosen to lead King County Corrections
King County Executive Ron Sims has chosen veteran Chief Deputy Prosecutor Kathleen Van Olst to lead the county's Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD). She will replace Reed Holtgeerts, who is retiring after nearly 32 years with the department.
Sept. 25, 2008
Flood protection achievements outlined in King County Flood Control Zone District report
The completion of five repairs to flood protection facilities damaged in the November 2006 federally declared flood disaster are highlighted in a new King County Flood Control Zone District quarterly report that was issued today.
Sept. 25, 2008
Northeast Seattle 'In Motion' program encourages healthy travel
More than 7,000 households in Northeast Seattle are being invited to try out King County Metro Transit's "In Motion" program to save money and travel in healthier ways.
Sept. 25, 2008
King County's Wastemobile in Burien, Oct. 10-12 for household hazardous waste collection
Burien-area residents have a safe, convenient and free way to dispose of household hazardous waste when the King County Wastemobile comes to town, Oct. 10-12.
Sept. 25, 2008
King County's Wastemobile in Redmond Oct. 3-5 for household hazardous waste collection
Eastside residents have a safe, convenient and free way to dispose of household hazardous waste when the King County Wastemobile rolls into Redmond, Oct. 3-5.
Sept. 24, 2008
Volunteer opportunities abound at third-annual Duwamish Alive! habitat restoration event, Oct. 11
There’s a boatload of opportunities to help restore fish and wildlife habitat along the Duwamish River by participating in the third-annual Duwamish Alive! habitat restoration and clean-up event, Saturday, Oct. 11.
Sept. 24, 2008
King County launches video podcast to help homeowners be better recyclers
With just a few clicks of a mouse, King County residents can now learn how to make recycling at home easy and convenient. The King County Solid Waste Division today released its first video podcast, “Be a Better Recycler,” which offers tips and advice on recycling, including food scrap recycling.
Sept. 23, 2008
West Nile virus detected in a bird in King County
A dead crow found in Kirkland on September 15th and tested last week was determined to be positive for West Nile virus. This is the first bird to test positive for West Nile virus in King County in 2008. This surveillance finding means residents of King County could potentially become infected this year.
Sept. 22, 2008
Ambitious bridge retrofit program wraps up
Crews are hammering home the last braces and bolts of the final bridge in a 14-year effort to retrofit 115 King County bridges at risk for damage or destruction during an earthquake. The $22 million project is a major investment in public safety and mobility in the event of a major earthquake in King County.
Sept. 19, 2008
Rural, home-based businesses in King County to get support under proposed rule changes
King County is proposing a common sense change to land use regulations to make it easier for home-based businesses and their customers in rural areas. King County Executive Ron Sims is recommending the change after it was learned current regulations prevented customers of a horseshoe supply shop from picking up and paying for their purchases while on the owner's property. The proposed changes promote and encourage compatible home-based businesses in a way that fits with the surrounding neighborhoods and rural character.
Sept. 18, 2008
King County Wastemobile in Federal Way to collect household hazardous waste, Sept. 26-28
Federal Way-area residents have a free, easy and convenient way to safely dispose of household hazardous waste when the King County Wastemobile comes to town, Sept. 26-28.
Sept. 17, 2008
Build the 520 bridge to healthier communities
As the community considers options for a new State Route 520 bridge, a new report identifies critical elements to be included to minimize health risks the bridge corridor poses to surrounding neighborhoods. Authored by Public Health – Seattle & King County and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, the assessment of community health impacts from this major transportation project provides an innovative tool for transportation planning, and is one of the first of its kind locally.
Sept. 17, 2008
Vaccine arrives early for 2008-9 flu season
Every year in King County thousands of people get sick from seasonal influenza, also known as the flu. Vaccination is the best way both to prevent the risk of getting sick and to lessen the severity of illness. This flu season it will be easier than ever to get vaccinated since flu shots will be available earlier in the year and in larger amounts.
Sept. 17, 2008
Family fun, educational activities await at treatment plant open house, Oct. 4
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the vote to clean up regional water pollution and enjoy a variety of educational activities at the West Point Treatment Plant open house on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Sept. 17, 2008
More clean and green hybrid buses coming to King County Metro and Sound Transit
King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit will be able to purchase at least 12 new transit buses powered by energy-saving hybrid-electric technology thanks to a $2.2 million grant just announced by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The grant will allow public transportation in this region to maintain its reputation as being one of the greenest in the nation.
Sept. 16, 2008
2008 King County Annual Growth Report and Economic Benchmark Report show mixed signs of growth
King County Executive Ron Sims today released the 2008 King County Annual Growth Report and the 2008 Economic Benchmark Report. The 2008 Annual Growth Report (AGR) indicates that the Growth Management Act continues to successfully funnel residential growth to cities, helping preserve rural lands and lifestyle. The report shows that the rate of annexations of unincorporated areas in King County has increased and residential growth has focused increasingly in King County’s urban areas. Rural areas saw barely 3% of countywide residential growth in 2007.
Sept. 15, 2008
Wastemobile in Auburn Sept. 19-21 for household hazardous waste collection
Residents in south King County have a safe and convenient opportunity to properly dispose of their household hazardous items with a visit to King County's Wastemobile, Sept. 19-21 in Auburn.
Sept. 15, 2008
New bus routes, more trips, and bike demo project highlight September service change
With ridership nearly 7 percent higher than this time last year, King County Metro Transit is making its largest single addition of new service since 2001. The new service includes two new bus routes and added service on 20 existing routes.
Sept. 12, 2008
Media advisory: More service upgrades to meet rising demand for Metro bus service
On Monday morning, King County Executive Ron Sims will be joined by County Council Chair Julia Patterson to announce details of the next round of Metro Transit service improvements set to begin Sept. 20. The new service will help meet rising demand for bus service and offer more customer convenience and relief crowding.
Sept. 12, 2008
Two, mile-long Brightwater outfall pipelines make successful journey to Puget Sound floor
The Brightwater Treatment Plant’s second, mile-long outfall pipeline settled alongside its twin on the Puget Sound seafloor off Point Wells Sept. 11, completing a key part of King County's largest clean water investment in decades.
Sept. 12, 2008
New Shoreline Recycling and Transfer Station earns rare national top rating for green building
When King County residents visit their recently redeveloped Shoreline Recycling and Transfer Station, they may not notice the facility's rooftop rainwater harvesting system, solar electricity panels, recycled content components and many other environmentally-friendly improvements. The U.S. Green Building Council noticed these features – and a lot more.
Sept. 12, 2008
Culvert replacement project leads to closure on portion of Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Sept. 22
A project to replace an aging, undersized stormwater culvert means that a portion of King County’s Snoqualmie Valley Trail will be closed Sept. 22. The King County Water and Land Resources Division will be replacing the undersized culvert that carries Deer Creek as the stream crosses underneath the trail near the intersection of State Route 203 and Northeast 124th Street near Duvall.
Sept. 10, 2008
Help we can count on: King County Medic One and Emergency Medical Services
Over 170,000 people received on-scene emergency response from King County's world-class Medic One and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system in 2007, with an average response time of under five minutes.
Sept. 8, 2008
King County Animal Care and Control investigating Seatac dog attack
King County Animal Care and Control Officers have taken two dogs into protective custody after two other dogs from the same home were shot and killed by SeaTac police officers while attacking a woman in her 70s. She is in stable condition at Harborview Medical Center.
Sept. 5, 2008
Brightwater outfall pipeline tow rescheduled for late Sunday morning
Construction on the Brightwater Treatment System project’s deep-water marine outfall in Puget Sound is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7.
Sept. 5, 2008
Salmon 'SEEson' is here again: Spot returning salmon around King County
Fall is here, and that means that salmon will be making the journey from the Pacific Ocean to area streams and rivers to spawn. You can take advantage of the many salmon-viewing opportunities available now around the Lake Washington/Cedar/ Sammamish Watershed.
Sept. 5, 2008
King County seeks 'Waste Free Holidays' partners
King County Solid Waste Division invites businesses and organizations that offer "experience gifts" to join its award-winning waste prevention program, Waste Free Holidays.
Sept. 4, 2008
King County accepting proposals for HIV/AIDS care services
Starting today, public and non-profit entities in King County are invited to submit their proposals for targeted HIV/AIDS care services from March 2009 through February 2010.
Sept. 4, 2008
300 at-risk youth better prepared for work and school
Nearly 300 young people in our region will end this year with better work and educational prospects after completing programs offered through YouthSource Renton, an innovative multi-agency education, employment and development center for at-risk youth program being honored as the nation's premier youth program by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Sept. 4, 2008
Tomorrow’s heroes: Public Health Reserve Corps seeks volunteers for disaster response
Fitch Ratings, a national credit rating agency, removed its "negative watch" status on King County's previously issued general obligation bonds. This action reasserts the county's exemplary bond rating after the county recently agreed to settlement on two impaired investments in the county's investment pool.
Sept. 3, 2008
Fitch signals positive outlook on King County bonds
Fitch Ratings, a national credit rating agency, removed its "negative watch" status on King County's previously issued general obligation bonds. This action reasserts the county's exemplary bond rating after the county recently agreed to settlement on two impaired investments in the county's investment pool.
Sept. 3, 2008
Top 2 primary is certified
King County Elections this morning certified the results of the Aug. 19, 2008 primary. Final results are posted online at http://your.kingcounty.gov/elections/200808/results.aspx.
Sept. 2, 2008
20,000 King County residents without 911 access after fiber optic cable cut
About 20,000 residents in Redmond and unincorporated King County are temporarily without 911 access from landline phones after a construction crew accidentally severed a fiber optic cable at the corner of Redmond Way and 159th Place NE in Redmond.
Sept. 2, 2008
$32 million boost in transit service for first phase of viaduct work
More buses, more often is the centerpiece of a $32 million transit plan that will help Seattle commuters during next year’s start of Alaskan Way Viaduct construction. West Seattle, Ballard and Aurora Ave., the neighborhoods most affected by construction, will see the most service as well as incentives for transit passes, carpools and other ways to help people avoid being stuck in traffic.
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