Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Local News


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published March 29, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified March 29, 2007 at 8:52 PM

E-mail article     Print view

Sims wants to raise $200 million for parks through property-tax levies

King County Executive Ron Sims wants voters to approve two property-tax levies this year that would raise $200 million for county parks...

Seattle Times staff reporter

King County Executive Ron Sims wants voters to approve two property-tax levies this year that would raise $200 million for county parks.

A six-year, $100 million levy would renew the parks levy that expires at the end of this year. Voters approved that levy in 2003, to fund operations and maintenance during the county's budget crisis.

The second $100 million levy, also six years, would raise about $60 million to buy open space and add more miles of regional trails. The rest would be spent on grants to cities developing their own parks and to expand educational programs at the Woodland Park Zoo. This levy would be new.

Each levy would cost a county property owner 5 cents per $1,000 assessed property value. The owner of a $400,000 assessed home would pay $20 a year per levy, or $40 annually if both levies are approved.

Councilman Dow Constantine, chair of the Capital Budget Committee, said he hopes to put it on the ballot in the August 21 primary.

These funds will "ensure parks remain both a natural refuge and recreational centers for tens of thousands of King County residents," Sims said at a press conference this morning.

His proposal, which was based on recommendations by a citizen task force, will require approval by the Metropolitan King County Council.

Sharon Pian Chan: 206-464-2958 or schan@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company

More Local News headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

advertising

Big demand, grim outlook for state Basic Health Plan

Flood fears dampen business, home sales

Nicole Brodeur: Homeless woman bent on giving

NEW - 04:09 PM
Chuckanut Drive to be closed up to a week

NEW - 03:33 PM
Everett Symphony may cancel rest of season after holiday shows

Advertising

Video

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship
Coming in this Sunday's Pacific Northwest Magazine: Pastor Braxton's mission is to preach a message that appeals to everyone.

PNW Magazine | Easy As Pie
Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup
Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate
Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Raw Video | MLS Cup Opening Ceremony
Real Salt Lake fans enter Qwest Field
LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle

Marketplace

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

nwautos

Less is more: Group rides, good gas mileage have led to a scooter swarm in Seattlenew
Local riders say they've seen a surge in scooter interest in recent years, mostly from people wanting another commuting option. Seattle now ranks as o...
Post a comment

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising