2023 DNRP news releases

Dec. 11, 2023
Divers connect 2,000 feet of pipe under Lake Washington to improve wastewater treatment, restore habitat, enhance I-90 trail
Crews with unique expertise in underwater construction are placing pipe under the East Channel of Lake Washington. When completed, the new conveyance line will provide reliable sewer service to Eastside cities, while improving lake habitat and the popular I-90 Trail.

Dec. 6, 2023
King County restores full wastewater operations following system disruptions during record rainstorm
King County wastewater crews quickly restored full operation at a wet weather treatment station in north Seattle during Tuesday’s record rainfall, while disinfected stormwater and wastewater flows were temporarily diverted from South Treatment Plant in Renton to a deepwater outfall in Puget Sound during the storm.

Dec. 6, 2023
Executive Constantine announces $109 million for 52 conservation projects that will build climate resiliency, increase access to open space, and advance food sovereignty
More than 50 projects across King County will receive a combined $109 million in open space preservation funding after a plan proposed by Executive Constantine was approved by the King County Council. This is the first round of funding for open space preservation since King County voters last year approved restoring Conservation Futures Program to its original rate.

Dec. 4, 2023
More rain gardens, fewer toxics, restored wetlands: Executive Constantine announces $5.4 million to support community-led projects that improve water quality
Sixty-one community-led projects will receive $5.4 million in King County WaterWorks grant funding after the County Council approved Executive Constantine’s proposal.

Nov. 14, 2023
Stream health is improving throughout King County – and scientists say there’s even greater potential for additional gains than expected
Twenty years of data collected by King County scientists indicates widespread improvements in the health of local streams even as the population grew by over a half-million people, suggesting that effective growth management can protect urban streams.

Oct. 23, 2023
Christie True – Executive Constantine’s longest-serving department director – retiring after 39 years of service at Department of Natural Resources and Parks
Christie True, who has successfully led Executive Constantine’s environmental initiatives for 13 years as a member of his Cabinet, will retire early next year after serving 39 years at the Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

Oct. 19, 2023
King County and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. launch sewer heat recovery at new South Lake Union campus, among first in the nation to tap wastewater heat for renewable energy
King County and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. are partnering to draw heat from a large, underground sewer pipe to heat a 1.6 million-square-foot mixed-use life science mega campus in South Lake Union. This is one of the first large commercial projects in the nation to save energy using sewer heat recovery technology, demonstrating how public-private collaborations can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Oct. 11, 2023
Now open! King County completes East Lake Sammamish Trail, contributing to the 44-mile Locks to Lake Corridor
King County Parks completed construction of the East Lake Sammamish Trail, its latest contribution to the 44-mile Locks to Lake Corridor that connects Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood to Eastside cities and the Cascade foothills with an uninterrupted paved path.

Oct. 6, 2023
See how King County will use large wood to reduce flood risks and restore habitat for fish and wildlife
An online presentation Oct. 19 will highlight upcoming King County projects on the Cedar, Snoqualmie and White rivers, and Boise Creek where placing large wood will be used to reduce flood risks, restore floodplains, and improve habitat. 

Sep. 6, 2023
$30 million in King County Parks Levy grants will build and upgrade aquatic facilities, enhance parks and trails, restore river corridors, and increase equity in recreation
The King County Council voted 9-0 to approve Executive Dow Constantine’s proposal to allocate nearly $30 million in grants funded by the King County Parks Levy that will support 53 projects led by cities, park districts, school districts, and community organizations throughout the region.

Aug. 10, 2023
King County transformed dilapidated buildings along the Duwamish River into an estuary, providing ideal habitat for young salmon and greenspace for communities
The former site of a run-down hotel along the Duwamish River is now healthy habitat where young salmon can safely transition from freshwater to saltwater on their way to Puget Sound thanks to an innovative project led by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

Mar. 28, 2023
Hundreds of trucks deliver 1,600 tons of concrete, laying the foundation for better power quality at West Point Treatment Plant
In the latest in a series of improvements at West Point Treatment Plant, trucks are delivering more than 1,600 tons of concrete needed to house new onsite batteries that will provide operators with a better-quality power supply.

Feb. 10, 2023
Recycle plastic bags, wrap, and Styrofoam at the Bow Lake and Shoreline transfer stations
After a brief pause in service, King County’s Solid Waste Division again offers free recycling of Styrofoam and plastic bags and wraps at its Bow Lake and Shoreline recycling and transfer stations. Materials must be empty, clean, and dry.