King County Council Awards Grant to Soos Creek Salmon Habitat Project

November 2, 2021

Summary

The King County Council approved funding for local WaterWorks grants Tuesday. Included in these grants is $75,000 for the Green River Coalition’s Soos Creek water quality project, which was jointly funded by Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Pete von Reichbauer.

Story

The King County Council approved funding for local WaterWorks grants Tuesday. Included in these grants is $75,000 for the Green River Coalition’s Soos Creek water quality project, which was jointly funded by Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Pete von Reichbauer. 

“This grant will help continue the good work the Green River Coalition has done over the past 10 years to improve water quality and fish and wildlife habitat in the Soos Creek Basin,” said Councilmember von Reichbauer.  “It is critical to support these efforts and I know the Coalition’s partnership with Green River College, as well as its engagement with the local community, will be vital in promoting a healthy and thriving Basin.”

"Community groups like the Green River Coalition are the backbone of conservation in King County and across the country,” said Councilmember Dunn. “I am overjoyed to be able to advocate for this funding that will directly help protect our salmon population in the Soos Creek for generations to come.”

This project will work to improve water quality in the King County WTD Service Area 7 & 9 by restoring riparian area along Soos Creek. This area is critical for Chinook and Steelhead salmon recovery as they both spawn and rear here. Invasive plants will be removed, followed by the planting of native vegetation within the Soos Creek Hatchery Natural Area Hess Site and Soos Creek Park and Trail.

“As King County is the local/regional government the Green/Duwamish River flows through, Councilmember support of restoration, salmon and Orca recovery is critical,” said Green River Coalition President Greg Wingard. “We are honored to have the support of Councilmembers Dunn and von Reichbauer in carrying on and expanding our restoration work, and intern program for the Soos Creek sites in their districts.”