BY BURGESS 1. C.B. 117857 AN ORDINANCE appropriating money to pay certain audited claims and ordering the payment thereof. Committee referral: Full Council BY RASMUSSEN 2. C.B. 117858 AN ORDINANCE relating to grant funds from non-City sources; authorizing the Director of Transportation (Director) to accept specified grants and execute related agreements for and […]
Month: July 2013
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FOOD WORK ON THE PATH TO ZERO WASTE
When we launched the Zero Waste Strategy in 2007, food waste was one of the two largest components of the waste stream that Seattle sent to the landfill (along with construction debris). That’s why we focused on food waste collection and prevention as a key strategy. New numbers show that we are making big progress, […]
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Changes Coming Under “Obamacare”
There are currently about 16% or (approximately 200,000) King County residents who are uninsured
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Helen and Me
We shared a profession, Helen Thomas and me. She came to the game decades earlier and managed to stay far longer. She was the star and I was only a satellite working far from the seat of government.
But you can bet that Helen and I shared some of the same experiences along the way. We both lived through some of the tough days of women trying to make their way in journalism careers.
She was a pioneer and it was through her gritty, determined elbowing that she was able to earn such designation as first female member of the White House press corps, first female officer of the National Press Club and first female member of … Continue Reading »
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GREEN STORMWATER GOAL ADOPTED BY COUNCIL
On Monday, July 22, the Council unanimously adopted a resolution establishing a City policy supporting green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) and adopting a goal of managing 700 million gallons of stormwater annually by 2025 – about 1000 gallons for every Seattle resident. The resolution will be implemented by including green stormwater infrastructure in city projects and […]
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Seattle Children’s makes $500,000 grant to Puget Sound Bike Share
Seattle Children’s Hospital recently announced a $500,000 grant to Puget Sound Bike Share. The grant will provide adult helmets at future bike-share stations in the Seattle area. Seattle Children’s is the first major Seattle-area employer to invest in the program, which has received $1.75 million in state and federal grants. Puget Sound Bike Share is a […]
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Dog blog
This is a fun one. Every year Dog Fancy Magazine (you flip through it at the vet checking out the super cute dogs) holds a Dogtown USA Best Dog Town in America contest. They ask readers of the magazine to send in nominations and editors select a winner based on the presence of dog-friendly activities, […]
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The American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3)
If you had the opportunity to save a life, would you do it? The opportunity is today. And it could take as little as two minutes. We need your help! The Great West is steeped in recruiting enrollees for CPS-3. Whether it is an enrollment at a Relay site, in […]
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Envisioning New Waterfront Parks
Piers 48 & 52 could be the first parks in Seattle operated by the State.
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Council targets neighborhood flooding using green technologies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7/22/2013
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Council targets neighborhood flooding using green technologies
SEATTLE - City Council set a target to prevent flooding around Seattle's drains and pipes by capturing stormwater and reducing rain runoff by implementing emerging green technologies. This "Green Stormwater Infrastructure" (GSI) includes raingardens, vegetated roofs, rainwater harvesting and use of permeable pavement in Seattle neighborhoods.
The City will strive to manage 700 million gallons of stormwater annually with GSI methods by 2025, approximately 1,000 gallons per Seattle resident. Seattle's sewer and stormwater system can back up during heavy rainfall, and GSI is intended to mimic natural processes by absorbing stormwater flow.
"These green technologies improve water quality, control stormwater, prevent flooding and protect creeks," said Councilmember Jean Godden. "Neighborhood beautification and increased greenery is just one of many bonuses that come with it."
GSI can provide community benefits such as an increased tree canopy, improved pedestrian safety, new small business opportunities, improvements to streetscapes or bikeways that provide appreciable economic and aesthetic value and climate mitigation and adaptation value.
"Seattle has been a national leader in the development and delivery of high-performing GSI projects and programs for more than a decade," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "GSI is a critical aspect of a sustainable drainage system."
The Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) will coordinate an interdepartmental effort to develop and deliver a "2025 GSI Implementation Strategy" by June 30, 2014.