Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Phillips announced the new year will bring benefits to the greater Magnolia, Queen Anne and Ballard neighborhoods with County funding for human services agencies and two new parks.

In addition, Council voted unanimously to contribute $500,000 toward the Capital Construction fund of Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, home of the Seattle Opera and the Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB). This brings the county’s McCaw Hall contribution to nearly $2.5 million.

“While King County continues to face serious budget challenges, we still need to find ways to fund human services, the arts and parks,” said Larry Phillips. “I was proud to advocate for these organizations and parks. Our human services agencies provide vital help to those in need, our parks provide green space, recreation and opportunity for quiet reflection, and our arts organizations boost our local economy while challenging our imaginations.”

The county provided $800,000 in Conservation Futures Tax funding toward land acquisition for a new park on lower Queen Anne, at the corner of Queen Anne Avenue and Roy Street.

Phillips also secured $20,000 to support Groundswell Northwest’s efforts to develop the 6th Avenue Pocket Park, currently under construction at the intersection of 6th Ave NW and NW 76th Street.

The following human services providers received support:

The Pacific Science Center received $100,000 for reduced admissions for low-income and disabled patrons.

In 2005 District Four will also receive two retired Metro Vanpool vans to distribute to nonprofit organizations that address the mobility needs of low-income, elderly, disabled or young residents. In 2004 the North Seattle Boys and Girls Club and Northwest Center each received an eight-passenger van.

“Citizens want us to maintain our high quality of life in Northwest Seattle, but it is difficult as local government struggles to fund all of our competing priorities,” said Phillips. “We work every day to strike that balance in the face of reduced revenues. I’m pleased we could support these causes in the new year.”