Summary

Krass’ work in the development of the Snoqualmie Valley WID, the first irrigation district in King County in more than six decades, means that farmers and rural landowners across the 14,000 acres of floodplain in the Snoqualmie Valley have a voice in discussions around water rights and drainage projects

Story

The Snoqualmie Valley is a vital agricultural lifeline for King County. Cynthia Krass has been an active voice for the famers in the valley, working to make sure they have access to the water they need to keep their crops growing. Krass, who was influential in the formation of the Snoqualmie Valley Watershed Improvement District (WID) and is the Executive Director of the Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance (SVPA) was recognized today by Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Kathy Lambert, who presented Krass with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service.

“Cynthia has done so much for the Snoqualmie Valley and is definitely deserving of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal,” said Lambert. “I am so pleased to be able to honor her for her commitment and service to the people of the valley.”

When the State was first formed, irrigation and water was so vital that the ability to form an irrigation district was the third law enacted after statehood. Krass’ work in the development of the Snoqualmie Valley WID, the first irrigation district in King County in more than six decades, means that farmers and rural landowners across the 14,000 acres of floodplain in the Snoqualmie Valley have a voice in discussions around water rights and drainage projects in order to make farming more productive in the Valley.

Krass is also the Executive Director of the Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance (SVPA), an organization working on long-term projects that focus on the preservation and protection of the farms and homes in the Valley, ranging from flood prevention projects to watershed management. Krass’ Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Washington has been very useful for her work with both the WID and the SVPA.

The annual presentation of the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service is the Council’s way of thanking those who have made a particularly strong impact on the county and to encourage others to renew their dedication to serve their community.

This is the third year Councilmembers have recognized individuals in their districts who have answered the question asked by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “What are you doing for others?”