July 25, 2007
Essential King County services now offered in Covington
Community Service Center program commemorates 12 years of rural services
|
"The Covington and southeastern part of King County are among the fastest growing communities in King County and I'm proud to bring government services to the area," stated Executive Sims. "These centers are a vital touch point for citizens in rural and unincorporated communities, making it easier for them to access vital county services in areas other than downtown Seattle."
Co-located at the Valley Vehicle Licensing office at 27331 172nd Avenue SE, the Community Service Center in Covington offers marriage and pet licensing, domestic partnership registration forms, concealed pistol license renewals, voter registration and general information about county services. These centers also accept property tax payments and U.S. passport applications, and offer other county-wide information such as Metro schedules and King County job listings and applications.
The Covington site grand opening marks the Community Service Center program's 12th anniversary of bringing essential government services to rural areas of the county.
"Twelve years is a wonderful accomplishment and proves that providing alternative options for King County residents to connect with government services is a much-needed resource," said Sherril Huff, director of Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division. "The program is possible in large part due to the cost-effective cooperation among many county agencies. We are certainly looking forward to continued inter-agency partnerships."
Community Service Centers have become an especially popular alternative for residents planning to travel abroad and in need of a U.S. passport. Since the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative took effect in January 2007, passport applications at centers have nearly doubled. The program processed 6,912 applications in all 2006 compared to 6,551 in the first six months of 2007.
The Covington Service Center is open Wednesdays with convenient hours offered from noon to 7 p.m.
"I'm delighted to see King County expand its Community Service Center program," said Covington Mayor Margaret Harto. "Our residents now have an easier way to take care of their county business with evening hours convenient for working families."
About King County Community Service Centers:
King County Community Service Centers are located in Renton, Woodinville, Covington, Kent, Northshore, Sammamish, and Vashon Maury Island. Visit our website for more information and a complete listing of hours of operations and services.