Executive Triplett proposal saves RapidRide at no new cost to taxpayers despite recession
King County Executive Kurt Triplett today proposed saving five planned new RapidRide routes in Metro Transit’s highest ridership corridors and providing for an additional one-million new passenger trips a year on the 520 bridge at no net increase in taxes. His proposal would use 5.5 cents of new taxing authority granted by the 2009 legislature, but would be offset by rolling back an equal amount in two other levies.

New report: nearly 200 King County jobs created or retained with federal stimulus grants
An updated report shows King County’s efforts to secure American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) federal stimulus grants for county programs is paying dividends in regional jobs created or retained and critical projects being funded. According to the June progress report, to date the county has been awarded 10 ARRA grants totaling $79,616,551 for county programs or projects. The federal money represents an estimated total of 193 jobs created or retained.

Dedicated King County tax for public health, human services and criminal justice proposed
As the national recession and cuts in state and federal funding to counties continues to undermine King County’s budget, County Executive Kurt Triplett today proposed a one-tenth of a cent sales tax dedicated to help fund public health, criminal justice and human services. The Executive says the Healthy, Safe and Strong Communities tax will give residents an alternative to the deep cuts he would need to make to balance the county’s 2010 budget.

Executive Triplett to host joint annual forum for King County Unincorporated Area Councils
Representatives of the six recognized King County Unincorporated Area Councils (UACs) and residents of the unincorporated areas are invited to attend an annual forum jointly hosted by King County Executive Kurt Triplett and the Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council. Executive Triplett will be joined by King County department directors and will be available to talk with residents and members of the UACs as they discuss critical issues facing their communities.

Some power restored at King County Department of Development and Environmental Services Services limited for remainder of the day
All of the services of the King County Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) in Renton will be closed for the rest of the day due to a power outage.

Red River flood responders share lessons learned with King County and area governments preparing for potential Green River Valley Flood
King County is hosting a delegation of emergency officials from Fargo, North Dakota, who are sharing lessons learned from their response to the historic flooding of the Red River last winter with local emergency managers and elected leaders.

Death of inmate in custody
An adult male inmate in the custody of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention died early this morning, July 3, 2009. The inmate was found at 2:26 a.m. by staff during a routine security check.

Most King County offices closed July 6 for unpaid furlough
On Monday, July 6, 2009, most King County staff will be on unpaid leave and most county buildings will be closed as the county takes the sixth of 10 furlough days in 2009 to cut operational costs countywide. All department employees, with limited exceptions, such as those in public safety functions, are included in the furlough plan.

Public comment sought on King County budget and policy priorities
King County residents are invited to share their thoughts to help the county create a strategic plan that consolidates the strategic plans of departments and agencies. King County will collect residents’ ideas and opinions this summer through surveys, public meetings and online feedback.

King County Executive News Conference
King County Executive Kurt Triplett is making an announcement about Metro Transit’s biennial budget.