The following is a press release from King County Councilman Reagan Dunn:
Last Friday, Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn announced that four community projects in the Enumclaw area will receive a grant from King County’s Community Service Area (CSA) program to help fund their efforts. CSA grants provide matching funds to projects that foster community involvement in unincorporated King County.
“It’s important to fund local organizations like these that are on the ground, meeting real needs in our community,” said Dunn. “I’m glad to be able to help support their excellent work!
Four projects have been awarded a total of $6,750 in funding:
- Friends of Bass Lake received $2,500 to assist with community engagement and public outreach
“The Bass Lake Natural Complex is a key part of wildlife habitat around the Green River, and outreach efforts have been an important part of involving our local community in its preservation,” said Julie Schrag, Chair of Friends of Bass Lake. “Funding from the county will help us continue to communicate with and engage local residents as we work to connect people with a common interest in protecting this natural space.”
- The Enumclaw Expo and Event Association received $1,750 for the beautification and landscaping of the Expo grounds
“Thank you to Councilmember Reagan Dunn for his strong and consistent support for the Enumclaw Expo Center,” said Rene Popke, General Manager of the Enumclaw Expo Center. “His help securing funding to continue improving the Expo grounds is preparing the way for future successful King County Fairs!”
- The Enumclaw Plateau Farmer’s Market received $1,500 for wayfinding signage pointing to the market to be placed in high-traffic unincorporated areas around the city
“Many Enumclaw area residents don’t realize that there are local farmers within ten miles of downtown Enumclaw growing fresh produce and other farm products,” said Elizabeth Clark, Manager of the Enumclaw Plateau Farmer’s Market. “The Community Service Area grant money from King County will allow us to help direct tourists and local residents alike to our brand new farmer’s market, and support our local growers and farmers – all while providing fresh food and other farm products to residents of King County!”
- Rainer Foothills Wellness Foundation received $1,000 for their Senior Partner Program, which works to reduce social isolation for seniors.
“Friendship and personal interactions are key for seniors living independently in their homes, which is why the Senior Partnership Program’s work is so important,” said Jay Thomas, Executive Director of the Rainier Wellness Foundation. “This county funding will help us continue to pair seniors and companions who spend time with them, helping seniors on the Plateau live independently and with enhanced quality of life.”
In 2019, a total of $27,000 in CSA grants was distributed to community projects in Council District 9. These grants are awarded through a competitive application process, and must be used to support community-led projects that help unincorporated King County residents participate in and be more connected to their communities.
