Editor’s note: The following is a press release from the office of Council member Reagan Dunn.
King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn and fellow Council members lat week announced plans to pursue the public acquisition and permanent preservation of the property along the Cedar River previously proposed for development as an asphalt plant.
The announcement follows a joint letter sent by Council member Dunn, who also serves as Chair of the King County Flood Control District (Flood Control District), and King County Councilm ember Rod Dembowski, Chair of the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, to Lakeside Industries expressing the County and Flood Control District’s intent to work in partnership with Lakeside and local community and environmental leaders to purchase the property for public ownership.
“For years, I have been committed to doing everything I can to protect the Cedar River corridor for future generations,” Dunn said. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to preserve this land and ensure that the property can be permanently enjoyed by the public, adjacent communities and County residents. I want to sincerely thank Lakeside Industries for acting as a good neighbor and conscientious company by opening the door to a purchase.”
This new effort builds on a July 2025 announcement in which Dunn, local community leaders, and Lakeside Industries reached an agreement to halt plans for an asphalt plant at the site. That earlier agreement replaced the proposed use as an asphalt plant with a less intensive commercial warehouse project. Now, the County and Flood Control District are pursuing full public acquisition to ensure the property is permanently preserved for public use.
“I commend Council member Dunn for his work to bring this unique property into public ownership. The potential for a trailhead, open space, athletic fields, and other public uses makes this site very desirable to protect,” Dembowski said. “We are committed to securing the funding needed to protect it in perpetuity.”
Lakeside Industries has indicated to County officials it is interested in working with the County and Flood Control District on a mutually beneficial acquisition of the property.
“Lakeside Industries has listened to its neighbors and is putting preservation ahead of profits. They deserve commendation,” said Council member Pete von Reichbauer, Chair of the Regional Policy Committee.
The Flood Control District has already identified $5 million in Cedar River Strategic Acquisition funds, ordered an appraisal of the parcel, and passed an Executive Committee motion directing the Flood Control District’s Executive Director to pursue a purchase strategy—an action unanimously approved earlier this month. Additional funding opportunities are working their way through the 2026–27 King County Budget process, as well as through other potential public funding sources.
“I believe this will be an excellent application of public preservation funds that aligns with our King County values and speaks to our commitment to protecting our waterways, salmon, and other wildlife habitat and reducing our environmental impact for the health of our communities,” said Council member and Vice Chair of the King County Flood Control District Sarah Perry. “I’m pleased to partner with Council member Dunn in exploring ways to acquire and preserve this unique, multi-use property for generations to come.”
The site along SR-169 and the Cedar River has been the subject of intense community opposition for more than eight years. The local organization Save the Cedar River formed in response to the original asphalt plant proposal and raised concerns about potential impacts for the proposed project. The group worked alongside Dunn and Lakeside Industries to help bring about the 2025 deal that ended plans for the asphalt plant.
“Our regional trail network will benefit from this open space creating an access point for families and people of all ages to walk, hike, bike, and explore the outdoors,” said King County Council member De’Sean Quinn. “This land is destined to become a real public asset to South King County, not only to reducing flood risks on the Cedar, but also building long-term resilience for our communities.”
The public acquisition of the Lakeside property would ensure that the site is permanently preserved, preventing future industrial development, protecting the Cedar River corridor and fish habitat, and connecting to nearby open spaces and trails. It would also advance the County’s regional goal to conserve its most important natural lands and urban green spaces within the next 30 years.
“The purchase of this property represents a major win-win for our community,” Dunn said. “I am thrilled to have helped reach a resolution that benefits all stakeholders and our environment.”
The County and the Flood Control District will continue to engage with Lakeside Industries and other partners as the County completes due diligence, secures formal approval of funding, and finalizes the appraisal process to move toward the goal of bringing the property into public ownership.
“This acquisition is a win for the environment and the local community, who has been consistently advocating for the preservation of this corridor and the protection of its natural resources for years,” said King County Council member Claudia Balducci. “It is a great example of the positive outcomes possible when environmental advocates, businesses, and other stakeholders come together to find solutions.”
“The acquisition of this property is a community-oriented solution that addresses the concerns of citizens across Renton and Maple Valley, as well as unincorporated residents in the Renton Highlands and Fairwood,” said King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay. “King County does its best work when we listen to the needs of our residents.”
