Dear Neighbor:

Thank you for taking the time to read my e-Newsletter. I am excited to share with you several current and upcoming events in our district.

Federal Way Sound Transit Link Extension

The Sound Transit Board recently chose the best route to extend light rail to Federal Way. This route would travel from Sea-Tac Airport south to Federal Way along I-5. The board voted last week to have the extension run along I-5 instead of Highway 99, saving a total of $370 million and hundreds of businesses in the process. "I have consistently worked to improve public transit, and the vote on the Sound Transit Link Extension route in Federal Way is the best route for Federal Way's long term economic development while remaining cost efficient," said Sound Transit Board Member and Councilmember von Reichbauer. "It is vital to continue to expand transportation alternatives in South King County in order to build a strong region." Currently, Sound Transit only has enough money to extend light rail to Des Moines. Voters will decide if the light rail extension is necessary, as the ST-3 package will go before voters in November of 2016.

Sound Transit Board Member and King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer and Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.

New Harborview Medical Board Member

The Metropolitan King County Council confirmed the appointment of Lee Ann Prielipp, who resides in King County Council District Seven, to the Harborview Medical Center Board of Trustees. This appointment fills the council-at-large position for a four –year term to expire on July 31, 2018. "Lee Ann brings to the Harborview Medical Center Board a strong, analytic background from her involvement in educational organizations and her service on state-wide boards," said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. "I was honored to first appoint her to represent our district, and I am pleased that she has been appointed to an at-large position."

King County Aquatic Center 25th Anniversary Celebration

Keep an eye out for an announcement of the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the King County Aquatic Center this fall. The King County Aquatic Center was completed in 1990 at a cost of $9 million when (then Senator) Pete von Reichbauer jumped at the opportunity to facilitate the talks between Pacific Northwest Aquatics Foundation, Weyerhaeuser and King County, in order to construct the center for the Goodwill Games. The Aquatic Center is a premiere destination for swimming, synchro, water polo, and diving competitions. It hosts 50 such events annually, bringing approximately $7.5 million to the region each year. Among the many events, it has been home to several Olympic teams during their pre-Games training, and in 2012 hosted the Pac-12 Swim and Dive Championships and the Olympic Dive Trials. The Aquatic Center has been known to host some of the world's greatest swimmers like Michael Phelps and Megan Jendrick as well as hundreds of local swimmers hoping to one day make a name in the sport. We look forward to a great celebration!