Newcastle and Bellevue Parks and Programs to benefit from Adopted County Budget

November 14, 2016

Summary

Dunn announces almost $160,000 for area programs

Story

Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn announced that today’s adopted 2017-2018 King County Biennial Budget includes $155,000 set aside for programs in the cities of Newcastle and Bellevue in addition to continued funding for the King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support and Marine Rescue units.

“The Sheriff’s Office supports law enforcement, in Newcastle and serves as the first responders for more than 70,000 unincorporated residents living in District 9,” said Dunn. “Supporting the Sheriff’s Office was a top priority and am thankful the Air Support and Marine Rescue Units will be maintained, especially in light of the tough budget decisions we as a Council had to make. I’m also grateful to have had the opportunity to advocate for funds that will support good causes throughout King County Council District 9.”

When budget constraints threatened the Sheriff’s Office Air and Marine Rescue Units, the first responders for emergencies on Lake Washington and wilderness Search and Rescue, Councilmember Dunn and his colleagues on the King County Council worked to find a solution. Thanks to the Council, the 2017-2018 Budget will maintain the King County Sheriff’s Air and Marine Rescue Units.

“The Air Support and Marine Units save lives, plain and simple,” said Sheriff John Urquhart. “I am very relieved and pleased the Council fought to fully fund these units. Their work is far too important.”

The 2017-2018 budget also sets aside $45,000 to go to the City of Newcastle for the Lake Boren Swimming Dock Restoration Project and the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. $5,000 in the budget will also go towards supporting youth sports programming at the Coal Creek Family YMCA.

“Once again, the King County Council is supporting needed infrastructure updates within our City,” said Newcastle Mayor Rich Cripso. “The residents of Newcastle greatly appreciate the helping hand that has been so graciously offered.”

The City of Bellevue will also receive $100,000 for the Coal Creek Park Trailhead Project. Additionally $10,000 will go towards youth sports programs in the South Bellevue Community Center and City of Bellevue’s Parks and Recreation Department.

“I’d like to thank the King County Council and Councilmember Reagan Dunn for investing in a healthy community in Bellevue,” said Bellevue Mayor John Stokes. “This funding will support active, engaged people through trail system improvements and recreation opportunities for youth and older adults.”

The Eastside Rail Corridor, which is a multiuse trail that runs from the City of Woodinville down through, Bellevue, alongside Newcastle, and ending in Renton, also received additional funding as part of the adopted budget. $100,000 in the budget was set aside for user improvements to the trail.