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 Executive Constantine tours King County’s largest-ever floodplain restoration project
Executive Constantine led an Earth Week tour highlighting environmental achievements, including our successful Fall City Floodplain Restoration Project along the Snoqualmie River. This 145-acre restoration project – the largest in our county's history by area – improves habitat and better protects nearby farms, homes, and roads from increasing flood risks.
It is among the first King County-led project to apply the principles of Snoqualmie Fish, Farm, and Flood, a landmark 2017 agreement to achieve multiple benefits for restoration projects. By removing more than half a mile of levee and other structures, the project has successfully reconnected the river to its historic floodplain, creating ideal habitat for salmon and enhancing the ecological complexity of the area.
Check out the photo gallery from the tour.
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Highlighting a growing zero-emission fleet
We participated in an Earth Week event showing King County’s growing electric vehicle fleet, which includes our new electric yard trucks – known as goats – that our employees use to maneuver solid waste transfer containers around our transfer stations where bigger tractor-trailer trucks can’t go. We also brought our battery-electric heavy-duty truck, the first of its kind manufactured in Washington.
Executive Constantine announced a $6 million grant from the state Department of Commerce for more than 400 new charging ports across King County and highlighted the County’s own zero-emission fleet.
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Partnering with Hopelink to help reduce food waste
Our Solid Waste Division partnered with regional non-profit Hopelink for Food Waste Prevention Week – April 1-7 – to spread the word about reducing wasted food. Hopelink’s Food Assistance Program provides access to free, fresh, and nutritious foods at its five markets and a Mobile Market that visits areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food.
Our employees visited four Hopelink Food Markets in Bellevue, Redmond, Shoreline, and Kirkland. They shared helpful tips to reduce food waste and provided food waste storage guides in multiple languages that people could take home. They also included fun events and giveaways, chip clips, “Eat Now” labels, and a food cut-out photo stand for kids.
The outreach events support Re+, our initiative to cut greenhouse gas emissions by transforming the region’s waste system to a sustainable circular economy. It’s estimated that food accounts for about 18% of what King County residents send to the regional landfill. When food breaks down in the landfill it emits greenhouse gases, including methane, which has as much as 100 times more climate warming potential than carbon dioxide. It’s also estimated that the average family spends about $1,500 each year on wasted food.
Learn about ways to waste less food here.
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Investing in critical wastewater infrastructure to protect water quality and prepare for climate impacts
Our Wastewater Treatment Division secured a nearly $500 million loan package from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enhance our regional wastewater system! This investment will boost water quality efforts, respond to climate change, and save local ratepayers nearly $74 million in interest costs.
This funding will support 14 critical infrastructure projects, including seismic upgrades, recycled water system improvements, and sewer pipe upgrades across the region.
Read more about the improvements.
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Apply now for a Re+ Circular Economy Grant
Our Solid Waste Division is accepting applications for the second round of Re+ Circular Economy Grants. The program is part of our Re+ initiative, and supports projects that create a more circular economy where waste is minimized, materials are kept in use longer, and natural systems are regenerated. The grant focus areas include waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and (food and yard waste) recycling.
We will invest in projects that are led or informed by frontline communities and address disparities in King County. Non-profits and other organizations led by frontline communities are encouraged to submit proposals.
Learn more and apply.
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Help us shape the next Parks Levy
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What activities, amenities, and programs do you want to see in your regional parks and trails? Share your ideas with King County Parks as we develop the 2026-2031 Parks Levy, now through April 29. Take the survey today!
kingcounty.gov/parkslevy
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Social media spotlight
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Talking about our EV trucks
We really can’t say enough good things about our zero emissions electric vehicle fleet. 🚛
If you encounter paywalls or articles requiring a subscription, Seattle Public Library and the King County Library System offer ways to read magazines and newspapers with a library account.
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Largest floodplain restoration project in King County's history
Soaking up these epic river views 🌊
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