Bothell and Kenmore recommended for King County funding for parks and conservation projects

October 5, 2012

Summary

Project funds part of the proposed 2013 budget

Story

The cities of Bothell and Kenmore would receive nearly $700,000 from the Conservations Futures program to go towards the North Creek Forest and Swamp Creek Wetland projects under the proposed 2013 King County budget.

“This proposed funding recommendation is great news for the citizens of Bothell and Kenmore,” said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson, who represents Kenmore and Bothell on the County Council. “One of my priorities for the budget is making sure that funding for these important projects is approved.”

The proposed allocations are part of the County’s Conservation Futures program, which is funded by a dedicated portion of property taxes. Under state law, the Conservation Futures Tax Levy revenue can only be used for open space acquisitions. The projects in Kenmore and Bothell were recommended by the Conservation Futures Citizens Committee and were included the King County Executive’s proposed 2013 budget.

In Bothell, $500,000 would be used to acquire an additional 27 acres of the North Creek Forest. One mile from Bothell's City Hall, North Creek Forest is home to a broad array of wildlife and includes wetlands and streams critical to the North Creek watershed.

“The city of Bothell is extremely grateful to King County for its help in preserving this beautiful and important forest, which benefits our environment and the citizens of Bothell directly,” stated Bothell Mayor Mark Lamb.

The Swamp Creek Wetland project in Kenmore is recommended to receive $185,218 to secure 1.6 acres of land adjacent to Wallace Swamp Creek Park. The property is a wetland that supports Kenmore’s heron colony.

“The city of Kenmore is extremely appreciative to King County and Councilmember Bob Ferguson for his help in securing funds that not only assists the City with relocating a family from a flood prone area, but protects open space and habitat,” said David Baker, Kenmore’s Mayor.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of King County’s Conservation Futures program, which has been the largest single financial contributor in the effort to preserve the region’s natural land and urban green spaces. Popular regional outdoor recreation sites such as Cougar and Rattlesnake Mountains and the Burke Gilman and Snoqualmie Valley Trails owe their continued preservation to the Conservation Futures Tax Levy.

The King County Council will finalize Conservation Futures allocations as part of the adopted 2013 King County budget. The Council anticipates taking final action to adopt the budget in November.