Lake Forest Park City Council Supports Congestion Reduction Charge

The Lake Forest Park City Council voted in support of the proposed annual Congestion Reduction Charge for vehicles in King County Thursday night.

The Council's support was contingent upon the King County Council enforcing the charge rather that putting it on the upcoming ballot.

The Metro changes would affect a number of Lake Forest Park routes including 331, 342, 347, 348, 372 and 373. Route 308 is currently planned to be eliminated. In all, if the Congestion Reduction Charge is not passed, the Metro service will be cut by 17 percent, laying off 400 drivers and mechanics and putting 15,000 cars back on the roads. As it currently stands, when the buses arrive in Lake Forest Park, they are often very full, leaving little to no room for Lake Forest Park riders. With a dramatic cut like this, it could eliminate the available seats all together.

The annual charge of $20 per vehicle would only be temporary, lasting two years until another funding solution can be found.

The Council also discussed Resolution 1267, a continued funding levy to help returned veterans and human services programs. This $13 million levy would replace an existing levy that by law must be periodically reviewed.

“This is an area of course where King County has cut way back on, human services that is,” Mayor Dave Hutchinson said.

The Council voted to support this proposed Resolution and it will appear on the ballot in the upcoming primary and special election on Aug. 16.

Also:

•The Council voted to adopt Resolution 1268, extending the contract for weekend animal control services for 18 months.

•Resolution 1269, a proposed agreement for additional home monitoring services for the Court through Home Bound Services, was also supported by the Council.

•Mayor Hutchinson also announced the plans for Sept. 24, 2011 as the Day of Concern for the Hungry. An annual food drive will take place at a variety of locations throughout the city to help eliminate hunger.