South Park Bridge solution requires strong partnership
Drago seeks new funding for bridge replacement

Drago at South Park Bridge.

In February, the federal government announced the projects that would receive this year’s first round of transporta-tion grant awards, and the South Park Bridge was not among the winners. The 78-year-old bridge over the Duwamish River is slated to close in June due to its extreme deterioration.

“Closing the bridge will have a huge impact on many District 8 neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Jan Drago. “We need to work quickly with the city of Seattle and stakeholders on how we divert and detour nearly 20,000 cars daily, and find ways to support the businesses that depend on this bridge.”

“But we can’t stop there,” Drago said. “We need to bring our cities, our stakeholders, our businesses and partners together to rethink our funding strategy and prove to the feds just how important this bridge is to our region and our economy.”

The Puget Sound Regional Council recently named the South Park bridge as a priority project for future federal funding of $18 million.

Ferry District leaders plot course for the future
Drago ready for new Executive Director, outreach and planning effort

West Seattle Water Taxi begins its 2010 season on April 5th.

The hiring of a new Executive Director of the King County Ferry District will mark the start of a new phase and new public outreach effort for the fledgling agency.

The new Executive Director will join the Ferry District just as the West Seattle Water Taxi begins its 2010 season on April 5th. 

“As Chair of the Ferry District’s Executive Committee, I’m really excited about this opportunity to ramp up service, ramp up our administration, and dive into an effort to reach out to our ferry communities to talk about the long-term goals and strategy for this critical part of our transportation network,” said Councilmember Jan Drago."

The King County Ferry District is an independent special purpose government that operates two water taxi routes—the seasonal West Seattle Water Taxi and the Vashon-Downtown Water Taxi. King County Council members are the Ferry District Board of Supervisors.

Sound Transit 2 projects moving forward
Route planning work continues on First Hill Streetcar, East Link

Drago with Sound Transit staff in Bellevue touring East Link route options.

Spring is expected to bring big decisions about the future of regional transporta-tion.

The City of Seattle is expected to choose a route for the First Hill Streetcar, while the Sound
Transit Board is slated to select the East Link route through Bellevue.

Drago, a member of the Sound Transit Board, said, “Leaders throughout the region are working hard to make sure we deliver on the promises in the Sound Transit 2 ballot measure. We’re moving forward step by step on the streetcar and East Link, and we want citizens and stakeholders informed and engaged when decision time comes.”

Dear Friends,

It is an honor and a privilege to be appointed to serve as your District Eight representative for 2010.

There is one singular challenge facing us this year that touches everything we do here at King County—budget! My Council colleagues and I will need your help to establish priorities and focus on core services. My goal in the coming months is to reach out to the many diverse communities that make up District Eight, meet with you, talk with you, and learn about the issues that are important to you.

Our job as Councilmembers is to ensure that our policies, laws, and budget decisions contribute to our core mission—to protect public health and safety; to provide quality public services; to improve public trust and confidence in King County government. 

I look forward to working with you, listening to your concerns, and keeping you informed about King County government this year.

Jan Drago

Drago Community Calendar

Monday, April 5:
West Seattle Water Taxi opens for 2010 season!

Sunday, April 11:
West Seattle Water Taxi 2010 Season Kick-off Celebration
Noon at Seacrest Marina Park

Track what’s happening in your part of District 8 and when Councilmember Drago plans to visit your neighborhood. Visit Drago’s website at www.kingcounty.gov/Dragoto view the community calendar, or get event updates on Drago’s Facebook page.

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