Covington Transit, Parks, and Youth to benefit from Adopted County Budget

November 15, 2016

Summary

Dunn announces funding for projects throughout the city

Story

Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn said the adopted 2017-2018 King County Budget sets aside funds to support Covington transit options, park improvements, and youth sports while ensuring residents will still have vital services provided by the King County Sheriff.

The City of Covington contracts with the King County Sheriff’s office to provide first response services to local residents. When budget constraints threatened the Sheriff’s Office Air and Marine Rescue Units, Councilmember Dunn and his colleagues on the King County Council worked to find a solution.

“More than 70,000 unincorporated residents living in District 9 and residents living in the cities of Maple Valley, Covington, and Newcastle rely on the Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement,” said Dunn. “I felt that maintaining funding for the Air Support and Marine Rescue Units was a top priority despite the tough decisions we as a Council had to make during this budget process. I’m also grateful to have had the opportunity to advocate for funds that will support good causes throughout southeast King County.”

Thanks to the Council funds set aside in the 2017-2018 Budget will go towards 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.”

A total of $70,000 in the 2017-2018 Budget went to the City of Covington to for youth and senior activities and improvements to the Covington Community Park.

"The City of Covington is fortunate to have the continuous support of King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and of the King County Council in helping our projects succeed," said Jeff Wagner, Mayor of Covington.

Dunn also announced that the 2017-2018 King County Budget sets aside funds study transit passenger facility options along State Route 18 near Southeast 256th Street. The study would evaluate ways to reduce demand for parking at nearby Sound Transit facilities. Options such as a transit station, parking complex, or increased bus connections would be examined.