SEATTLE, Wash. — King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced yesterday, Sept. 10, that he is asking the King County Council for $100 million to go toward conservation efforts across the county.
According to a press release, Executive Zahilay’s new proposal would focus on 57 different projects and span 1,500 acres.
“One of the most powerful tools we have as a local government to promote healthy, connected, resilient communities throughout King County is land conservation,” Executive Zahilay said. “Based on the priorities of the communities we serve, my conservation plan will create, protect, and enhance parks, trails, forestland, farmland, river corridors, and natural areas throughout our region that contribute to our quality of life.”
The release notes that Zahilay’s proposal is based off the advice of the Conservation Futures Advisory Committee.
In addition, the $100 million comes from both King County’s Conservation Futures Program and the King County Parks Levy. The official breakdown is about $86.7 million from the conservation program, and about $13.8 million from the levy.
If approved, the money would go to several projects, including protecting part of North SeaTac Park, creating a salmon habitat in Tukwila, and developing a stormwater park in Skyway, according to the release.
For a full breakdown of the proposed projects, visit the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ website here.