County plugs into next-generation hybrid vehicles

Council approves study to explore charging stations at Metro Park and Rides. Park and Rides may become “Plug and Rides.” In a move to reduce the county’s carbon footprint and assist in a new wave of transportation options, the Council requested a study on ways King County can provide charging stations for the next generation of hybrids called Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Unlike existing gas-electric hybrids like the Toyota Prius, PHEVs have much larger electric storage capacity to allow the cars to run much longer using less fuel. The power for BEVs is supplied by batteries that need regular recharging. Read more... Read the legislation on this initiative.

In the news: Hague wants County plugged into next generation of vehicles, Bellevue Reporter.

Council preserves options for rail and trail in historic agreement with Port to bring Eastside Rail Corridor into public ownership

Purchase of 26-mile easement authorized for interim trail to promote dual use. Options for both a public trail and a rail line will be preserved with unanimous approval today by the Metropolitan King County Council of an historic agreement with the Port of Seattle that will bring the BNSF Eastside Rail Corridor into public ownership. Read more...

In the news: Agreement brings rail corridor into public ownership, Bellevue Reporter.

Legislative update

See recent legislation I have sponsored on: green initiatives and performance management

Green initiatives: PHEV legislation (2008-0222), and Green Cleaning products legislation (2008-0235) 
Performance management: Accountability Act (2008-0221) & Transparency Act (2008-0223)

King County Ferry District

Ferry District adopts work plan and funding for Vashon ferry, Water Taxi, and 5 demonstration routes across Lake Washington and Puget Sound. Nearly a century after a “Mosquito Fleet” of small boats linked the communities that ring Lake Washington and Puget Sound, the Board of the King County Ferry District on Nov. 13 adopted a 2008 work plan, budget, and funding for operation of Vashon passenger-only ferry service, year-round operation of the popular Water Taxi, and five demonstration routes crossing those same bodies of water. Learn More...
Watch: King County Connects - Ferry District [RealPlayer needed]