March 2014

In this newsletter:
1. King County Flood Reduction Grant fund
2. Important public workshop for Snoqualmie Basin "Fish, Farm, Flood" planning effort
3. Customer service guide updated online
4. Big Backyard 5K is Saturday, June 1st
5. Animal control low-cost spay/neuter program
6. Tax breaks for owners of wooded property
7. Some safety improvements on county roads
8. New ball fields at Redmond Ridge

Dear District 3 friend,

Happy Spring. The days are getting longer and we're hoping for more sunny days. I love experiencing the changing of the seasons.

As always, there's a lot happening in the coming weeks in our part of the County from the Big Backyard 5K to a special workshop on watershed planning – and more!

Mark your calendar, for April 22nd, as there's a ballot measure to vote on. Exercising our right to vote is such an important part of living in a democracy.

Best wishes,

Kathy Lambert

1. King County Flood Reduction Grant Fund

Please spread the word to any eligible groups. The Flood Reduction Fund targets medium and small local flood reduction projects including projects where the control of storm water will have a direct benefit in reducing flooding.

• There is no cap on the award amount, except up to the annual amount allocated to the Flood Reduction Fund of $2.6 million.
• Matching funds are encouraged but not required.
• The expenditure of funds must be completed no later than 36 months after receiving funds.
• An annual status report and final project completion report are both required.

Eligible applicants include: homeowner associations, private non-profit organizations or associations, schools, special districts, tribes, King County jurisdictions

Here's a link to the application: 2014 Flood Reduction Fund Application

Read more

2. Important public workshop for Snoqualmie Basin “Fish, Farm, Flood” planning effort

King County is hosting a public workshop on April 3, 2014 from 5:30 PM -8:00 pm at Preston Community Center to provide an update on progress of its Snoqualmie Fish, Farm, & Flood Advisory Committee. This committee was convened last fall to advise the county on how to balance reduction of flood risks, implementation of salmon recovery, and providing support to the agricultural community. The workshop will feature the opportunity for you to give input and suggestions to the committee members and to the county on these issues. It is essential that they hear from local residents, affected farmers, and property owners on potential strategies and recommendations. King County staff who work on salmon habitat recovery, flood risk reduction, and provide support to agriculture will be available to answer questions. Light refreshments will be provided. I encourage you to attend and look forward to your input.

April 3, 2014
5:30 – 8:00 pm
Preston Community Center
8625 310th Ave SE
Preston, WA 98050

Additional information can be found at the project website: http://is.gd/WatershedWorkshop or by contacting Janne Kaje, Snoqualmie Watershed Coordinator, at Janne.kaje@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-4078.

3. Customer service guide updated online

Many of the wide range of public services King County provides are listed in the Customer Service Guide. The guide is also available in Spanish.

4. Big Backyard 5K is Saturday, June 1st

It's not too early to sign up for the Big Backyard 5K. Register for the fifth-annual Big Backyard 5K presented by Group Health in support of King County Parks. The race is Sunday, June 1 at King County's Marymoor Park.

5. Animal Control low cost spay/neuter program

All cats and dogs from the King County Pet Adoption Center are spayed or neutered before adoption. However, if your pet has not been altered, most veterinary clinics provide spay/neuter services. If you're looking for a lower cost option, consider contacting one of the organizations below. Read more

Pasado's Safe Haven
C3 Seattle
PAWS
Valley Animal Partners (Snoqualmie Valley residents only)
Pawsitive Alliance
South County Cats

6. Tax breaks for owners of wooded property

WSU Extension Forestry and King County are offering a free seminar on how landowners with wooded property can reduce their property taxes through the Current Use and Public Benefit Rating System programs. There are multiple programs available and the seminar will provide information on qualifications and the application process. The seminar is set for April 8, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Fall City Meeting Room, Fall City Library, 33415 SE 42nd Pl, in Fall City. Pre-registration is required. Space is strictly limited and is first come, first served. To register, email Lauren Grand or call 425-357-6023

7. Some safety improvements on county roads

Look for safety improvements on several heavily traveled county roads over the next several weeks. Safety features such as warning signs, guardrail reflectors and concrete barriers will be added along nineteen roads and intersections that have a higher-than-average number of collisions. Learn more about the improvements planned in your area on the http://is.gd/SafetyImprovements.

8. New ball fields at Redmond Ridge

Last Spring I attended the ground breaking for these ball fields which will serve so many kids. It's exciting to learn that they'll soon be all done – just in time for spring play! King County Parks and Redmond North Little League are nearing the completion of a new synthetic baseball field and a new synthetic multi-use field. This is a community project via King County Parks' Community Partnership and Grants Program. Redmond North Little League raised $1 million for the much needed upgrades. Final infill installation and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements are under way, with the fields scheduled to open sometime this month. A community opening celebration will take place in April.