NEWS

Spring project will improve safety of guardrails and barriers in King, Snohomish and Whatcom counties

(SHORELINE)– A project to update and improve the safety of 24 guardrails and barriers across King, Snohomish and Whatcom counties begins mid-March, adding energy-absorbing features to reduce the impacts of crashes. Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will replace guardrail protective end caps and flexible posts at various locations along Interstates 5, 90 and 405, US 2 and State Routes 522 and 527 as part of the Northwest Region Breakaway Terminal Cable Replacement project. The new guardrail end caps face oncoming traffic and are designed to crumple to better absorb energy in the event a vehicle collides with the barriers, improving safety for     (read more)

Steve Nevey to head the nation’s largest ferry system

(OLYMPIA)– Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar announced today that Steve Nevey will serve as assistant secretary for the Washington State Ferries Division. A career mariner, Nevey progressed directly from high school to a maritime academy in the United Kingdom. For the past two years he has served as director of marine operations for WSF and has been instrumental in the development of programs that address ongoing staff shortages in the industry. Nevey will succeed Patty Rubstello, who is stepping down as head of WSF to spend more time with family after more than 33 years of service with the Washington State     (read more)

Washington State to evaluate January severe weather event economic Impacts for disaster fund eligibility

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- Due to the economic impacts from the January severe weather event, the Washington State Emergency Management Department is assessing statewide eligibility for a U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration, according to a news release from Skagit County. All businesses impacted by flooding, ice storm (including a burst pipe), landslides, mudslides, winds, etc. during the entire month of January 2024 are asked to complete and submit the Economic Injury Worksheet form available the county's website, and send the completed form to DEM@co.skagit.wa.us The Skagit County Department of Emergency Management will     (read more)

Forest Service concludes initial Northwest Forest Plan comment period

(PORTLAND, OR)- The initial comment period for the USDA Forest Service’s Northwest Forest Plan concluded Feb. 2. The Forest Service had been accepting comments on a Notice of Intent that the Agency will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate the effects of proposed amendments to the Northwest Forest Plan. More than 9,000 comments were received from the public which are now being analyzed to refine the proposed action, identify initial concerns, and explore potential alternatives and environmental impacts, according to a news release from the Forest Service. Using that information, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be drafted, posted,     (read more)

Skagit Valley College raises record-high $143,000 to support student-athletes

(MOUNT VERNON)- Skagit Valley College (SVC) hosted its 21st Annual Athletic Auction on Feb. 3 and raised a record-high amount of more than $143,000 in support of student-athletes and the athletics program at SVC. “Thank you to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the Swinomish Casino and Lodge for allowing us to host our 21st Annual Athletic Auction,” said Mitch Freeman, SVC athletics director. “This event was not possible without the partnership of nine regional tribal nations, corporate donors, and the 275-plus community members who faithfully give to SVC Athletics and our student athletes. We sincerely appreciate the generous support of     (read more)