With the election behind us and the 2019 session kicking off on January 14, this seems like a good time to touch base with you, remind you about the House Page Program, and request your input on the proposed asphalt plant in Maple Valley.
House Page Program
Every year, students ages 14 to 16 come from all over the state to serve as legislative pages in the House of Representatives. The chance to see the ins and outs of the legislative process up close gives them a hands-on experience that they won’t easily forget. In fact, it can inspire them to become more involved in our democracy and, who knows, maybe even consider running for office. I speak from experience, since I was a page in the 1995 legislative session, and in a few weeks will be starting my fourth term serving you in the House of Representatives.
The Page Program is free, and students receive a small stipend for their work each day, but requirements like transportation to the Capitol and a white shirt have kept students in our 11th district from participating in previous years. Fortunately, the legislature created a scholarship program in 2016 to help kids out so they can come to Olympia.
If this is something your teen might be interested in, go to the Page Program website to learn more about it, fill out an application, and get information on how to apply for the Gina Grant Bull Scholarship.
Proposed asphalt plant on Maple Valley Highway
Lakeside Industries is proposing to move its Covington asphalt plant to Unincorporated Maple Valley. The plant has to move out of its current location due to a housing development moving in on that property. The company says the site is zoned industrial and the new plant will create jobs and bring economic prosperity to the area. However, some residents have expressed concern regarding a rise in traffic and increased noise, as well as the environmental impact, particularly to the Cedar River, since Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is more likely to leach pollutants.
The location falls within the purview of King County Council, and it’s not too late to have an opinion since they are still accepting public input. I am asking you to take this survey now so I can share the results with them. I believe it is important for them to know where my constituents stand.
If you feel you don’t have enough information on the issue, here are some links to a few news stories for you to check out:
- KING 5 story (May 2018)
- Voice of the Valley story (Nov 2018)
- Covington-Maple Valley Reporter story (Nov 2018)
Thank you for participating, and have a happy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Rep. Steve Bergquist