NEWS

(OLYMPIA)— For the first time in more than a century of voter-submitted ballot proposals, the filing fee for Initiatives to the Legislature has moved from $5 to an inflation-indexed amount, currently set at $156. Similar adjustments to the filing fees for referenda and Initiatives to the People will take effect in January, the beginning of the next filing period for each, according to a news release from Washington's Office of the Secretary of State. The fee has remained static for more than a century, despite inflation. In 1912, voters approved Amendment 7 of the Washington State Constitution to create the ability to file initiatives     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)- The Washington Department of Ecology is inviting the public to review and comment on the draft clean-up plan for a historical Snohomish County landfill that was closed in 2022. The 30-day public comment period will end on April 7, according to a news release from Ecology. The Go East Corp. Landfill at 4330 108th St. SE in Everett received wood waste and construction debris from 1972 to 1983. The landfill was consolidated and closed in accordance with current landfill regulations to allow development of the property. Snohomish County Health Department issued a permit for the closure of the landfill and permits post-closure care     (read more)

(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)

(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)

(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)