NEWS

(CONWAY)– A paving project begins Wednesday, July 15, to create a smoother ride for travelers along a 4.5-mile stretch of State Route 534 between Conway and Lake McMurray. Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will grind down existing pavement, lay a fresh layer of asphalt and add new pavement markings along the rural highway in southern Skagit County. Construction is expected to finish in late August, but the work requires dry weather so rain could delay progress. The project will repave SR 534 from the Interstate 5 interchange to a half mile west of the SR 9 intersection. The final stretch     (read more)

(SEATTLE)– The Fourth of July holiday weekend will spark one of the busiest ridership periods of the year for Washington State Ferries. About 400,000 people are expected to board from Thursday, July 2, through Monday, July 6, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. It will be a milestone year on the water, as WSF celebrates 75 years of service while the United States marks its 250th anniversary. This year’s Independence Day travel rush comes as the region also welcomes thousands of visitors for the men’s soccer world championship matches in Seattle. The added tourism will only     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)– Each year, the Washington State Department of Ecology supports communities by funding clean water projects through the Water Quality Combined Funding Program — a mix of state and federal dollars dedicated to protecting and improving water quality. This year, Ecology is investing $158.5 million in 130 projects across the state, according to a news release from the agency. “Every community in Washington depends on clean water. From upgrading wastewater treatment and reducing stormwater pollution to restoring streams and lakes, these grants and loans help communities make essential investments that protect public health, improve water quality, and strengthen critical infrastructure,” said Ecology Director     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)— On June 29, 2026, the United States Supreme Court ruled that ballots received after Election Day but postmarked on or before Election Day can continue to be counted for federal races. Under Washington state law, county elections offices are allowed to accept ballots received after Election Day if the ballot was postmarked on or before Election Day. The Supreme Court ruling upholds this practice and means there will be no change to Washington’s ballot acceptance deadline, according to a news release from the Office of the Secretary State. “The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Watson v. RNC is     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)- Once again, the Water Supply Availability Committee, a group of state and federal water supply experts, has brought news of the ongoing drought. It’s not over, and with the arrival of El Niño conditions, it likely won’t be over any time soon. The group meets monthly to advise Ecology on the current state of our water supply. The picture they paint can be characterized by two words — warm and dry. Statewide, the average precipitation for the water year so far (October through May) has been near normal. But don’t be fooled. December’s heavy     (read more)