Dunn sponsors legislation for new Fairwood open space

August 28, 2017

Summary

When the properties were determined surplus, Dunn wrote a letter to the division presenting the opportunity to preserve open space, protect a valuable riparian corridor, provide protection for migrating fish, and provide opportunities for passive recreation

Story

Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn introduced legislation today seeking to permanently preserve nine properties along Molasses Creek in the unincorporated community of Fairwood. The proposed ordinance directs the King County Conservation Futures Oversight Committee to prioritize the parcels for conservation.

“These properties along Molasses Creek hold potential for both conservation and recreation purposes,” said Dunn. “I look forward to working with the community and King County Conservation Futures to preserve these properties for both the local Fairwood community and for the larger Cedar River Watershed.”

The nine properties, located near the intersection of 140th Avenue SE and SE 180th Street, along Molasses Creek in unincorporated King County are owned by the King County Road Services Division. When the properties were determined surplus, Dunn wrote a letter to the division presenting the opportunity to preserve open space, protect a valuable riparian corridor, provide protection for migrating fish, and provide opportunities for passive recreation.

Portions of Molasses Creek are already managed as open space and valuable habitat as part of the Soos Creek Regional Park and Trail. Another portion, near 134th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 163rd Street, will be improved this year with funding from the Fairwood West Homeowners’ Association and the King County Flood Control District Flood Control Grant to replace a rusted stormwater pipe and install fish passage features to open up over 7,000 feet of stream channel for migrating fish. The project builds on past grants from the Flood Control District to preserve and maintain water quality in Molasses Creek and prevent flooding.

The Conservation Futures Fund is supported by a countywide property tax, which by state law can only be used to purchase open space or resource lands. Counties and cities are usually the primary applicants for these funds, but citizen groups and individual citizens also receive CFT funding through partnerships with local jurisdictions.

The legislation was referred to the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee for discussion and possible action.