The following is written by Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow:

No matter which side of the aisle you are on, there’s no doubt that passing our State budget this year was quite a struggle.  In the midst of lots of topics and debates, there is some great news for Sumner.  The Capital Facilities budget includes $850,000 for design work on the White River Restoration project.  This is an important project to protect businesses, homes and transportation routes along the White River in northern Sumner,while also improving habitat for salmon runs.

You may not realize it, but the White River is filling fast with sediment.  Additionally, King County is building a new levee, but it ends at Stewart Road.  Since flood waters seem to never respect such political boundaries, it’s important for Sumner’s project to move forward as well.  King County’s levee will help protect some portions of Sumner but also increase risk to other sections.  Washington State has provided the funding for the City to work with other agencies, including the County and tribes, to find the best solution for Sumner’s stretch of the river.  There are initial ideas that provide both flood protection and fish habitat, but funding is needed to flesh out those ideas and lead toward a plan that can be funded for actual construction.

I want to thank all our legislators, especially Senator Pam Roach and Representative Drew Stokesbary, who made sure this important funding was included despite all theother topics and issues they were tackling. I appreciate their dedication to Sumner’s needs and look forward to seeing this important project moving forward.