Calhoun Gravel Pit Surplus land sold to Soos Creek Water and Sewer District

August 19, 2013

Summary

Sale of land paves way for economic development

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council gave its unanimous approval today to the sale of a portion of the Calhoun Gravel Pit in Covington to the Soos Creek Water and Sewer District. The land being sold is surplus to the needs of the King County Roads Services Division and will allow the city of Covington to expand development.

In 2009, the city of Covington adopted a downtown plan that calls for a vibrant commercial district anchored by a traditional town center. The town center will feature a “main street” with slow-moving traffic and on-street parking; a public plaza for local events, celebrations, and cultural activities; a civic center with mixed-use, multiple-story buildings; and opportunities for private development.

“This legislation was a key piece of the puzzle in terms of future development for Covington which will ultimately lead to more jobs in our community,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, who represents the city of Covington on the County Council. “This is a great example of County and City governments working together with the Sewer District to reach a consensus that all stakeholders can build upon.”

“Covington residents can be proud of the way their county government, city government, and sewer district have worked together on this project,” said Covington Mayor Margaret Harto. “The new lift station and sewer mains are an important step toward a Covington Town Center that will be the envy of the region.”

The Soos Creek Water & Sewer District's planned lift station at Calhoun Pit, along with new sewer mains, will open up several downtown and town center parcels for development consistent with the city's vision. The Soos Creek Board of Commissioners is proud to provide the sewer facilities to support the city of Covington’s downtown plan.

“The acquisition of the Calhoun Pit property and the construction of one of our major lift stations will enable Soos Creek to continue providing the basic sewer services to our customers in a reliable, efficient, and cost effective manner,” stated District Manager Ron Speer.

The property being sold is the Calhoun Gravel Pit site, located northeast of the intersection of SE 272nd Street and 156th Place SE. The property has been declared surplus to the needs of the County per the provisions of the King County Code and the legislation adopted by the Council authorizes the sale of the surplus property.