McDermott: Maury Island purchase step toward preserving Puget Sound for future generations

December 6, 2010

Summary

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Metropolitan King County Councilmember Joe McDermott today released this statement after the adoption by the Council of a financing package that will allow the County to purchase 250 acres of land on Maury Island from the Northwest Aggregates Company (NWA). The acquisition is being funded through the use of King County Conservation Futures Funds, which by state law can only be used to purchase open space or resource lands:

“Since 1997, citizen activists have argued that expanded mining and barge loading on Maury Island would damage critical shoreline habitat and have disastrous effects on Puget Sound. I am ecstatic that after 13 years of tireless work, we are one step closer to delivering on our promise to restore the health of Puget Sound for future generations.

“Private citizens, business interests and the public sector have worked together to arrive at a solution that each of these diverse groups can consider a victory.

“I commend Executive Constantine, Senator Nelson, Preserve Our Islands and all those who worked tirelessly to bring us to this solution.

“But, our work does not end today. We must continue to secure resources, support programs and advocate for the recovery of Puget Sound, so that one day we can truly deliver on our promise of a healthy Puget Sound for future generations.”