July 1 is the date that the “Do Not Flush” symbol must be on packaging of disposable wipes products sold in Washington state, including baby wipes and cleaning wipes. According to the Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (WASWD), the labeling is the result of a new law — passed in 2020 — that…
State Government
Public invited to comment on future of safety rest areas statewide
An online open house is now available for travelers, freight haulers, business owners and others to provide feedback on the future of safety rest areas across Washington state. Input will be used to make decisions about the program’s maintenance and operations and to update the Washington State Department of Transportation’s strategic plan for rest areas….
Traveling Independence Day weekend? Plan ahead to avoid delays
With the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, the Washington State Department of Transportation’s travel charts are now available to help people plan ahead. The weekend prior to Monday, July 4 is expected to see increased travel on many key routes including Interstate-5, I-90 and ferry service throughout the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands. The…
Eligible donors urged to give blood as national blood shortage continues
The Washington State Department of Health, in partnership with the Washington State Blood Coalition, is encouraging eligible donors to give blood this summer. In addition to celebrating World Blood Donor Day on June 14, blood centers in Washington state are preparing for the summer months ahead—which is a critical time for blood donations. “Blood donations…
Multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry
The Washington State Department of Health is working with local and federal public health partners to investigate 11 identified cases of salmonella linked to backyard poultry in Pierce, Kitsap, Snohomish, Lincoln, King, Yakima and Lewis counties. This is part of a nationwide outbreak that has sickened 219 people in 38 states. In Washington, two people…
Sound Transit asks public to weigh in on proposed free youth fares
Sound Transit is asking for public feedback on a proposed policy change to implement free fares for passengers age 18 and younger. The Sound Transit Board is expected in July to consider a proposal to make fares free for youth. The change would be implemented by Sept. 1, 2022, before the start of the school…
State officials caution against touching sick or dead wild birds
The Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are asking the public to avoid contact with wild birds, especially sick or dead wild birds or their young. An outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is impacting wild birds including Canada geese, snow geese, bald eagles, and…
Have questions about ferry system? Washington State Ferries hosting virtual meetings June 14-15
Ferry riders, commuters and terminal neighbors are invited to attend one of two upcoming Washington State Ferries virtual public meetings to hear updates and ask questions about the ferry system. “Like many transportation agencies we are still not back to pre-COVID service levels,” said Patty Rubstello, head of Washington State Ferries. “These meetings are intended…
Candidate filing for federal, state and county office opens May 16
Candidate filing begins at 9 a.m. Monday, May 16, for the 2022 ballot. There are 41 offices available for filing including U.S. senator, U.S. representative, state senator, state representative, judicial positions, county prosecuting sttorney and public utility district commissioner. Candidate filings for political party precinct committee officer positions will also be accepted. A complete list…
That bumpy ride on southbound I-5 through Seattle will start to change May 7
There’s a rhythm to the drive on southbound Interstate 5. It comes from a series of unpleasant bumps on the section between I-90 and Spokane Street. The familiar cacophony reverberates as tires bump the original expansion joints along this stretch. Last year, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) started with new concrete, grinding down…
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State commerce department awards $17.5 million in infrastructure funding to boost affordable housing developments
Affordable housing projects in Edmonds and Lynnwood are among 26 statewide that are receiving $17.5 million to fund utility connection fees and the improvements needed to connect them to municipal water and sewer systems, the Washington State Department of Commerce announced Tuesday. The funds will lower the effective cost of development by about $8,000 for…
Officials break ground in Lynnwood for Swift Orange Line transit route
Approximately 100 people gathered at the Lynnwood Transit Center Tuesday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Swift Orange Line rapid transit route. Among those in attendance were Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, U.S. Reps. Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen, State Sen. Marko Liias, Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell and…
21st District legislators hosting virtual town hall April 21
State legislators from the 21st District, which includes parts of Edmonds and Lynnwood, are hosting a virtual town hall Thursday, April 21, to recap the 2022 legislative session and to hear constitutent questions and concerns. The event, which starts at 6 p.m., will be livestreamed on the lawmakers’ legislative Facebook pages (Sen. Marko Liias, Rep….
Volunteers of America receives $1 million grant for early learning at future Lynnwood Neighborhood Center
Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW) has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce for new early learning classrooms in Lynnwood. The Washington State Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) announced that a total of $43.2 million in grants was…
32nd District legislators to hold virtual town hall April 13
State legislators representing the 32nd District are hosting a virtual town hall from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13. State Sen. Jesse Salomon and Reps. Cindy Ryu and Rep. Lauren Davis will discuss legislation from the 2022 legislative session and field questions and concerns from constituents. You can watch the meeting live on this Facebook page or at…
Save the date: Free access to state parks on April 22 for Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is providing the public with a free day of access to state parks on Friday, April 22, during which visitors will not need a Discover Pass for day-use parking. There are various other free days throughout the year as part of the legislation that created…
Department of Health issues advisory regarding sturgeon in lower Columbia River
The Washington State Department of Health has issued a health advisory for consumption of sturgeon from the lower Columbia River. The advisory extends from the mouth of Columbia (see A on map below) upriver to the Bonneville Dam (see B on map). The advisory, in accordance with findings from the Oregon Health Authority, recommends limiting…
Edmonds’ Highway 99 revitalization project receives $22.5 million from state
The City of Edmonds’ Highway 99 revitalization project will receive $22.5 million through the Move Ahead Washington transportation bill that was recently passed by the Washington State Legislature. The bill was signed by Gov. Jay Inselee on March 25. “This package brings long overdue investments to our most diverse and most underserved residents,” said Edmonds…
Fair Vote Washington Snohomish County chapter to meet virtually April 2
The Snohomish County chapter of FairVote Washington will hold a virtual meeting Saturday, April 2 from 10-11 a.m. over Zoom. There will be updates from the state legislative session as well as news from Snohomish County regarding ranked-choice voting. RSVP here to attend and you’ll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link. Questions or suggestions…
Commercial drone registration starts April 1
Beginning April 1, people or businesses using drones for commercial purposes will need to start registering their drone with the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division. In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill directing the WSDOT Aviation Division to create and manage a commercial drone registration program. Commercial drone operators must register…
Studded tire removal deadline March 31
The arrival of spring brings a reminder to drivers in Washington to remove studded tires before the end of the day Thursday, March 31. By planning ahead, drivers can beat the rush at tire service shops and avoid a potential fine of $136, starting Friday, April 1. Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov….
Department of Health outlines next phase of Washington’s COVID-19 response
The Washington State Department of Health on Thursday released its long-term ForWArd plan for the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and “co-exist with COVID-19 for the foreseeable future,” the department said in a news release. To date, more than 13 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across Washington, which the department says…
Washington State Legislature approves nearly $17 billion transportation package
The Washington State Legislature gave final approval Thursday to a transportation package that invests $16.9 billion over 16 years in major projects throughout the state. Move Ahead Washington was sponsored by 21st District Sen. Marko Liias and 27th District Rep. Jake Fey, the respective chairs of the Senate and House transportation committees. “We said when this package was announced that it…
State commission next week to discuss driverless vehicles, transportation impacts on communities
Current efforts to reconnect and revitalize communities that have been divided by transportation construction projects is one of the topics of discussion when the Washington State Transportation Commission meets virtually next week. The commission will also hear about General Motors’ collaboration with Cruise to introduce the Origin, one of the latest developments in electric autonomous…
Bill aimed at deterring catalytic converter thefts headed to governor’s desk
The Washington House of Representatives granted final legislative approval Tuesday night to HB 1815, aimed at deterring the theft of catalytic converters. The bill now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk for his signature. The bill, sponsored by 32nd District Rep. Cindy Ryu of Shoreline, was prompted by a wave of catalytic converter thefts over the…