LEGISLATURE 2023-24: Quality of life, open spaces, and new local funding (REP. DAVE PAUL)

State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) sent this email to constituents from his legislative account on Fri., Aug. 25, 2023.

Dear neighbors, 

Our community is blessed with beautiful parks, beaches, farms, and forests. Protecting our open spaces and farmlands is essential to our quality of life–and to being good stewards of the land that we’re passing down to our children and grandchildren. 

I’m happy to report the new state budgets include significant funding into protecting open spaces, wild lands, waterways, and farmlands. 

I’ve had the opportunity to visit some of the local projects being funded and meet both the people working on them and the families who will be helped when the construction is finished. Below you’ll find some quick updates about a few of those projects. 

There’s also an update in this e-newsletter about state investments in local mass transit are paying off. 

Wiley Slough

Created in 2009, the Wiley Slough Restoration Project is a system of dikes and levees aimed to restore 156 acres of land that was historically tidal marsh. Unfortunately, flood and drainage infrastructure has not functioned properly causing damage to the dike, access road, and neighboring farmland. In order to correct this, I worked with across the aisle to help secure $5.481 million in 2021-23 and another $551,000 this year in the Capital Budget for the dike raising project. I recently toured the construction site and look forward to seeing the project when it’s completed. This will provide us with even more natural space to enjoy while protecting neighboring farms and habitats essential to the survival of our Chinook population.  

Stanwood Dike

Floodplains by Design is an ambitious public-private partnership in Washington state aimed at reducing flood risks and restoring habitat along our major river corridors. An important local project is the Stanwood Dike, which is critical infrastructure for protecting historic Stanwood and access to Camano Island. The dike needs repairs and continued neglect would have devastating consequences for the community. I’ve worked for several years on this project, and I’m pleased to report that we secured $1.9 million in funding for this project in the Capital Budget to repair the Stanwood Dike. 

Whidbey Camano trust

The Whidbey Camano Land Trust has done great work protecting and preserving the natural beauty of Island County, including the Keystone Preserve on Whidbey Island and Livingston Bay on Camano Island. That’s why I worked to secure the organization $1.3 million in state funds in the Capital Budget. The wide-ranging ecosystems Island County possess provide so much to our district through educational opportunities, supporting tourism, and giving residents space to enjoy the outdoors.  

Zero pollution and local jobs

Finally, I recently met with leaders from Island Transit about their work to transition to a zero-emission fleet—and got an update on how the funds I helped secure from the Move Ahead Washington transportation package will be used to purchase electric and hydrogen power transit vehicles for our community. These vehicles will help reduce greenhouse gases while providing residents with more commuting options. 

I’m also happy to say that Island Transit is hiring more bus operators to serve our community—check out the information below!

Your voice matters

If you have any comments, questions, or ideas, please get in touch!

Dave Paul