Dear Neighbors:

Every August, the County Council takes a two-week recess. This year, Colleen and I are taking our six-month-old twins to Mount Baker National Forest for their first hiking expedition. When I return, budget season will be right around the corner, so I plan on enjoying this break! I hope that you are also getting a chance to enjoy the last few weeks of summer.

Regards,

Bob Ferguson
King County Councilmember, District 1

Public Feedback Sought Regarding 520 Tolling Impacts and Mitigation

As many of you know, the State of Washington is considering tolling the 520 Bridge. The 520 Tolling Implementation Committee has been tasked with, among other things, studying the impact that tolling on the 520 Bridge will have on Bothell Way/Lake City Way (SR 522). It is anticipated that many commuters will bypass the 520 Bridge and use alternate routes like SR 522 to avoid paying the toll. The committee will make recommendations to the governor and legislature in January regarding what mitigation measures should be taken on SR 522 if tolling on the 520 Bridge is implemented.

On July 23, the committee released an initial analysis that forecasts impacts on traffic around Lake Washington if there is tolling. Shortly after the analysis was released, I co-wrote a letter to the committee with the mayors of Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Woodinville regarding the need for specific mitigation measures to be taken along SR 522 should tolling be implemented. Our recommendations include increased transit service along SR 522, improved park-and-ride facilities, and the completion of scheduled infrastructure improvements on SR 522.

This article in the Kenmore Reporter offers a local perspective on this issue.

You also have the opportunity to provide input to the committee about traffic mitigation measures along this corridor. Through August 31, you can provide comments about what you believe needs to be done to mitigate the impact that tolling on the 520 Bridge will have on SR 522. I encourage you to provide feedback.

New Bus Service on SR 522

As a regular Metro rider, I understand the importance of frequent bus service.

In a past eNewsletter, I mentioned that I was working with Metro and Sound Transit officials to obtain additional transit service along Bothell Way/Lake City Way (SR 522).  I am pleased to report that beginning September 22, Sound Transit will provide additional trips to its Route 522, which serves this corridor.  Three additional trips will be made during the morning peak service hours, and three additional trips will also be made during the afternoon peak service hours.

To make these additional trips possible, Sound Transit will utilize unused Metro buses.  Because Sound Transit will provide the operating money and service, be prepared to see a Metro bus approaching that will read “ST 522.”  Even though a Metro bus will be used, this will be a Sound Transit route, and Sound Transit fares will apply.

With elected officials at the groundbreaking event.

Shoreline Prepares for the Future with New City Hall

On Tuesday, July 22, the City of Shoreline’s decision to build its own city hall came one step closer to becoming reality.  I joined city officials for the groundbreaking at the corner of North 175th Street and Midvale Avenue North, just east of Aurora.  The property purchased for the new building includes the site of the existing City Hall Annex. Completion of the project is scheduled for late summer 2009.  The building will be 67,000 square feet and will have enhanced civic design elements.

Charter Amendment Update

Every ten years, a group of King County citizens are appointed to recommend changes to the King County Charter.  The Charter is the basic structural document of our county government, similar to a constitution.  The Charter Review Commission met over the past two years and earlier this spring, presented its recommendations to the County Council.

The County Council recently voted to place five of the proposed amendments on the November 2008 ballot.  These include measures on anti-discrimination, regional committees, qualifications for elected officials who head executive branch departments, the budget timeline, and economic forecasting.  Subsequently, the County Council voted to add a sixth proposed amendment to the ballot.  This sixth measure addresses the way citizen initiatives to amend the King County Charter are handled.   

I would like to thank the Charter Review Commission for its hard work throughout the lengthy review process.

Around District One and King County

• Shoreline is hosting its 13th Annual Celebrate Shoreline event now through Sunday, August 17.  This year’s theme is “Shoreline: Clean and Green.”  Events include live music, a classic car show, teen skating competitions and a parade. 

• On Thursday, August 14, the Kirkland Library is presenting a lecture on the Art of the Impressionists, to compliment the “Inspiring Impressionism” exhibit on view at the Seattle Art Museum.  The slide presentation will trace the development of the Impressionist style and influences.  

• Bastyr University will sponsor the Kenmore 10th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 30 at Log Boom Park.  This special event will include live entertainment, fun activities, and fireworks at dusk. 

About my E-Newsletter

I hope you enjoy my updates! Please review my recent e-newsletters.

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Phone: (206) 296-1001 | Fax: (206) 296-0198 | TTY/TDD: (206) 296-1024 | Toll Free: (800) 325-6165
Mailing Address: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200, Seattle, WA 98104-3272