NEWS

(OLYMPIA)– Secretary of State Steve Hobbs delivered official notification to the Legislature on Jan. 26 that signature verification has been completed and certified for IL26-001, concerning parental rights relating to their children in public school. The Legislature may approve an initiative or send it to voters. If an initiative is rejected by the Legislature, or the Legislature takes no action by the end of the legislative session on March 12, the Secretary of State will certify the initiative for the next general election. The Legislature may also pass an alternative proposal to accompany an initiative on the ballot, according to a     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)- The Washington Department of Ecology on Wednesday proposed changes to the rules that govern forestry offset projects under the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program. The changes would make it easier for small landowners to start projects. Forests absorb carbon from the atmosphere and store it, and Washington has some of the world’s most carbon-dense forests. By starting a forestry offset project, landowners can earn revenue for conserving and managing land in ways that maintain or improve its ability to absorb and store carbon, according to a news release from Ecology. Each offset project must meet strict criteria that     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)- Today, the Washington Department of Ecology proposed changes to the rules that govern forestry offset projects under the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program. The changes would make it easier for small landowners to start projects. Forests absorb carbon from the atmosphere and store it, and Washington has some of the world’s most carbon-dense forests. By starting a forestry offset project, landowners can earn revenue for conserving and managing land in ways that maintain or improve its ability to absorb and store carbon, according to a news release from Ecology. Each offset project must meet strict criteria that ensure     (read more)

(ROCKPORT)– Both directions of State Route 530 reopened Tuesday, Jan. 20, about 8 miles south of Rockport after emergency repairs to a section damaged by floods in December. Trimaxx Construction, Inc. contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation rebuilt the embankment and backfilled the roadbed with gravel after floodwaters eroded them away. Crews then paved and striped SR 530 and reconstructed guardrail to reopen eastbound and westbound lanes, according to a news release from WSDOT. An atmospheric river weather event in December produced heavy rain and widespread flooding across much of northwest Washington. On Dec. 11, the Sauk River reached peak stages,     (read more)

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The cities of Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes, and Burlington, together with the Skagit County Commissioners, have signed a historic interlocal agreement to formalize the North Star partnership. The agreement represents a unique collaboration among the five governments to jointly address homelessness and behavioral health challenges in Skagit County, according to a news release. The effort to develop and adopt the agreement was advanced by the 2025 North Star Leadership Team, including former Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki, Sedro-Woolley Mayor Julia Johnson, Burlington Mayor Bill Aslett, Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan, and former Anacortes Mayor Matt Miller, working in     (read more)