“This is a step towards greater transparency and accountability as well as streamlining all county efforts related to the voter-approved Parks Expansion Levy projects,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, Vice Chair of the Council’s Growth Management and Natural Resources Committee and sponsor of the legislation.

The motion adopted by the Council requests the County Executive to establish a transparent process by which new parks expansion projects will be developed, reviewed and recommended to the Council, which has final approval over the project list.

“Voters in September made the wise choice to protect and invest in expanding our regional park system,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, Chair of the Growth Management and Natural Resources Committee. “These expansions will ensure adequate open space, naturally habitat, and places to recreate for the next generation. Now we must ensure the choices of where to expand the system are made equitably and with input from the public.”

“It is important that every area of the county receive its fair share of new parks, trails and open space,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “As the sponsor of legislation prioritizing these investments in areas experiencing high health disparities, I need to know that the tax dollars are benefiting communities that most need recreational opportunities.”

The voter-approved Parks Expansion Levy will raise about $32 million a year over six years to fund acquisitions for King County regional trails and open spaces; city trails and open spaces; and Woodland Park Zoo green space, education and conservation programs in the county.

Sixty percent of the levy proceeds will be used to purchase open space parcels critical to regional watersheds and streams, acquire and develop rights of way for regional trails, and provide up to $500,000 annually for recreation-related capital grant programs. Of the remainder, 20 percent of the funds are reserved for Woodland Park Zoo projects and 20 percent for cities in King County for the purchase of trails, natural lands and open space.

The Council set a December 15, 2007 deadline for development of the new process.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system and type in “2007-0482”