2023 DNRP news releases

Dec. 11, 2023
Divers connect 2,000 feet of pipe under Lake Washington to improve wastewater treatment, restore habitat, enhance I-90 trail
Crews with unique expertise in underwater construction are placing pipe under the East Channel of Lake Washington. When completed, the new conveyance line will provide reliable sewer service to Eastside cities, while improving lake habitat and the popular I-90 Trail.

Dec. 6, 2023
King County restores full wastewater operations following system disruptions during record rainstorm
King County wastewater crews quickly restored full operation at a wet weather treatment station in north Seattle during Tuesday’s record rainfall, while disinfected stormwater and wastewater flows were temporarily diverted from South Treatment Plant in Renton to a deepwater outfall in Puget Sound during the storm.

Dec. 6, 2023
Executive Constantine announces $109 million for 52 conservation projects that will build climate resiliency, increase access to open space, and advance food sovereignty
More than 50 projects across King County will receive a combined $109 million in open space preservation funding after a plan proposed by Executive Constantine was approved by the King County Council. This is the first round of funding for open space preservation since King County voters last year approved restoring Conservation Futures Program to its original rate.

Dec. 4, 2023
More rain gardens, fewer toxics, restored wetlands: Executive Constantine announces $5.4 million to support community-led projects that improve water quality
Sixty-one community-led projects will receive $5.4 million in King County WaterWorks grant funding after the County Council approved Executive Constantine’s proposal.

Nov. 14, 2023
Stream health is improving throughout King County – and scientists say there’s even greater potential for additional gains than expected
Twenty years of data collected by King County scientists indicates widespread improvements in the health of local streams even as the population grew by over a half-million people, suggesting that effective growth management can protect urban streams.

Oct. 23, 2023
Christie True – Executive Constantine’s longest-serving department director – retiring after 39 years of service at Department of Natural Resources and Parks
Christie True, who has successfully led Executive Constantine’s environmental initiatives for 13 years as a member of his Cabinet, will retire early next year after serving 39 years at the Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

Oct. 19, 2023
King County and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. launch sewer heat recovery at new South Lake Union campus, among first in the nation to tap wastewater heat for renewable energy
King County and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. are partnering to draw heat from a large, underground sewer pipe to heat a 1.6 million-square-foot mixed-use life science mega campus in South Lake Union. This is one of the first large commercial projects in the nation to save energy using sewer heat recovery technology, demonstrating how public-private collaborations can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Oct. 11, 2023
Now open! King County completes East Lake Sammamish Trail, contributing to the 44-mile Locks to Lake Corridor
King County Parks completed construction of the East Lake Sammamish Trail, its latest contribution to the 44-mile Locks to Lake Corridor that connects Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood to Eastside cities and the Cascade foothills with an uninterrupted paved path.

Oct. 6, 2023
See how King County will use large wood to reduce flood risks and restore habitat for fish and wildlife
An online presentation Oct. 19 will highlight upcoming King County projects on the Cedar, Snoqualmie and White rivers, and Boise Creek where placing large wood will be used to reduce flood risks, restore floodplains, and improve habitat. 

Sep. 6, 2023
$30 million in King County Parks Levy grants will build and upgrade aquatic facilities, enhance parks and trails, restore river corridors, and increase equity in recreation
The King County Council voted 9-0 to approve Executive Dow Constantine’s proposal to allocate nearly $30 million in grants funded by the King County Parks Levy that will support 53 projects led by cities, park districts, school districts, and community organizations throughout the region.

Aug. 10, 2023
King County transformed dilapidated buildings along the Duwamish River into an estuary, providing ideal habitat for young salmon and greenspace for communities
The former site of a run-down hotel along the Duwamish River is now healthy habitat where young salmon can safely transition from freshwater to saltwater on their way to Puget Sound thanks to an innovative project led by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

Jul. 25, 2023
CHOMP!, King County’s local food celebration, returns to Marymoor Park with tasty food, live music, sustainable workshops, and free family activities
Blind Boys of Alabama will be the headliners for this year’s CHOMP!, King County’s daylong celebration of local food, live music, and green living workshops and other free activities, Aug. 19 at Marymoor Park in Redmond.

Jul. 24, 2023
Take a community survey and help King County create a vision for a Sammamish River that’s healthier for people, fish, and wildlife
King County is updating its management strategy for the Sammamish River corridor, including reducing flooding and improving conditions for fish and wildlife. Share ideas with the county through an online community survey open through July 31.

Jul. 18, 2023
Celebrate adventure at Refuge Outdoor Festival at Tolt-MacDonald Park offering outdoor recreation workshops, live music, and art by and for BIPOC communities
Refuge Outdoor Festival, a three-day outdoor recreation and camping experience geared toward BIPOC participants and featuring more than 20 workshops and activities for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, returns to King County’s Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground Aug. 18-20.

Jul. 3, 2023
After a concerning number of drownings this spring, King County officials urge caution at rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound
At least 12 people in King County have drowned so far this year as rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound remain dangerously cold even as air temperatures rise.

Jun. 29, 2023
Outdoor Movies at Marymoor Park return July 6 with ‘Grease’
The 2023 BECU Outdoor Movies at Marymoor Park series opens on July 6 with the classic musical “Grease” and pre-movie entertainment by DJ Disco Vinnie. The series runs for eight weeks, through Aug. 23, with food trucks, entertainment, and movies under the stars.

Jun. 8, 2023
Executive Constantine announces winners of the 2023 Green Globe Award – King County’s highest honor for environmental stewardship
Eleven individuals and organizations from across King County were honored by Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks with a 2023 Green Globe Award for outstanding work to protect and restore the environment, and contributing to a more resilient, sustainable, more equitable King County.

Jun. 7, 2023
VIDEO: Regional solutions to reduce stormwater pollution, one of the greatest threats to water quality in the Puget Sound watershed
King County is bringing together Tribes, cities, counties, state and federal agencies, universities, and businesses throughout the Puget Sound region to reduce stormwater pollution, one of the greatest threats to local water quality.

Jun. 6, 2023
Join a workshop in June to help King County reduce flood risks as the region prepares for climate impacts
King County will host workshops June 14 and June 27 for community input as it makes progress on developing the next countywide flood plan as the region experiences more frequent, severe flooding as the result of climate change.

May 23, 2023
BECU Outdoor Movies at King County's Marymoor Park return July 6 with food trucks, entertainment, and dog-friendly events
Outdoor movies will return to King County’s Marymoor Park on July 6, when the BECU Movies at Marymoor series opens for its 19th season of outdoor film events, entertainment, and food trucks. The series will run weekly from July 6 through Aug. 23 with blanket-and-chairs festival seating.

May 22, 2023
Making it safer, easier for South King County to contribute to Re+ climate solutions: King County breaks ground on a state-of-the-art recycling station
King County broke ground on a state-of-the-art station in South King County that will offer enhanced waste disposal and recycling services, contributing to the Re+ initiative that will cut greenhouse gas emissions by reinventing the region’s waste system.

Apr. 27, 2023
With warmer weather predicted this weekend, King County officials urge caution at dangerously cold lakes, rivers, Puget Sound
King County officials are urging caution this weekend at rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound where open water remains dangerously cold despite warmer air temperatures.

Apr. 18, 2023
Executive Constantine tours successful Riverbend site, a major Cedar River restoration project that reduces flood risks, improves salmon habitat, provides more food for orcas
King County’s recently completed restoration project along the Cedar River east of Renton simultaneously reduced flood risks, improved salmon habitat, and increased the food supply for southern resident orcas.

Mar. 28, 2023
Hundreds of trucks deliver 1,600 tons of concrete, laying the foundation for better power quality at West Point Treatment Plant
In the latest in a series of improvements at West Point Treatment Plant, trucks are delivering more than 1,600 tons of concrete needed to house new onsite batteries that will provide operators with a better-quality power supply.

Mar. 17, 2023
King County to focus on two site alternatives for the Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station Project environmental review
King County’s Solid Waste Division invites the public to comment on the revised scope of its environmental impact statement for the Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station Project after removing the Houghton Park and Ride in Kirkland as a potential candidate site. The comment period runs from March 20 to April 10.

Mar. 13, 2023
King County invests in 14 projects that will advance waste prevention, reuse, and recycling, all contributing to the Re+ initiative
King County’s Solid Waste Division is providing $2.3 million in funding to support 14 local projects through the Re+ Circular Economy Grant Program. Grants are awarded to projects within King County that focus on waste prevention and reuse, and recycling. This grant program is a part of Re+, King County’s approach to reduce landfill waste by 70% by 2030.

Mar. 6, 2023
King County will save more than $80 million for critical water quality projects with low-interest loans
King County Wastewater Treatment Division will receive $165.3 million in low-interest loans awarded by the state Department of Ecology for two critical projects that protect water quality. The loans will save ratepayers $83.5 million in interest costs.

Feb. 24, 2023
Dispose of household hazardous waste safely and easily across King County at the Wastemobile mobile collection service
It’s that time of year again when people living in King County can safely and conveniently dispose of fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, oil-based paint, and many other household hazardous products close to home at the King County Wastemobile. The mobile collection service travels to communities throughout the county from late February to October. The 2023 Wastemobile season kicks off today and continues this weekend at the University of Washington – Bothell campus.

Feb. 22, 2023
Public survey will help King County develop strategies that reduce food waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions
King County Solid Waste Division invites the public to share feedback about proposed strategies to keep more food waste out of the garbage. An anonymous online survey about food and yard waste management is available starting today.

Feb. 16, 2023
Beaches near Fauntleroy Ferry reopen after water testing confirms safe conditions following brief wastewater spill caused by lightning strike
Beaches near the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal were reopened to the public Thursday after water quality testing over consecutive days showed safe results. The beaches were closed out of an abundance of caution following a brief wastewater overflow from King County’s Barton Pump Station.

Feb. 14, 2023
Power interruption from nearby lightning strike causes West Seattle pump station wastewater overflow
A Seattle City Light power interruption caused Barton Pump Station in West Seattle to briefly overflow Monday. King County workers responded quickly and reset the pump station within minutes of the overflow. The station is now back online and operating normally. Cove Beach and Lincoln Park Beach are temporarily closed.

Feb. 10, 2023
Recycle plastic bags, wrap, and Styrofoam at the Bow Lake and Shoreline transfer stations
After a brief pause in service, King County’s Solid Waste Division again offers free recycling of Styrofoam and plastic bags and wraps at its Bow Lake and Shoreline recycling and transfer stations. Materials must be empty, clean, and dry.

Feb. 9, 2023
King County, partners create new basin steward position dedicated to the Duwamish River, strengthening restoration projects that benefit communities, salmon, orcas
Creating a new basin steward position to guide and oversee habitat protection and restoration work in the Duwamish River gives the waterway a strong advocate for advancing salmon recovery work benefitting people, salmon, and orcas as well as the health of the Green-Duwamish Watershed.

Feb. 6, 2023
Help King County identify potential solutions for future flooding as the region prepares for climate impacts
With climate change increasing the potential for more frequent and severe flooding in the Pacific Northwest, King County seeks community input on solutions for coastal, tributary, and urban flooding problems. Input collected during online meetings this month will help identify strategies for the update to King County’s Flood Management Plan.

Feb. 1, 2023
Executive Constantine launches Re+, reinventing the region’s waste system to cut carbon emissions, transition to a sustainable economy
King County is launching a new initiative, Re+, to return valuable materials to the economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions created by the region’s waste system. Re+ aims to recover nearly 70% of materials that are currently being sent to the landfill that could avoid becoming waste in the first place by being reused, recycled, or composted.

Jan. 25, 2023
Executive Constantine announces $52 million for 36 projects that will protect greenspace, restore habitat, conserve tree canopy, increase access to homegrown food
Thirty-six projects throughout King County will receive a combined $52 million in open space preservation funding after a plan proposed by Executive Constantine has been approved by the King County Council.

Jan. 20, 2023
New trail bridge will cross the White River, connecting cities, schools, business districts, and civic centers with 22 miles of uninterrupted paved trail
A new 572-foot-long weathered steel bridge will cross the White River, connecting completed segments of the Foothills Trail at the King-Pierce county line. The project will connect residents, business districts, and civic centers to a 22-mile trail that offers scenic views of Mount Rainier.

Jan. 10, 2023
King County partnering with community-based organizations to create a 40,000-square-foot food hub, better connecting local farmers to hunger relief organizations
King County is partnering with Food Lifeline to convert their 40,000-square-foot warehouse into the new South Seattle Community Food hub, providing much-needed shared space for storing, packing, and distributing fresh produce and goods to people and families experiencing hunger.