07/03/2022
This is great!
Update from Mayor Jan Molinaro
King County Council passes legislation to fill gap on Foothills Trail between Buckley and Enumclaw
The King County Council on Tuesday passed legislation, sponsored by Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Sarah Perry, that authorizes King County to partner with the State of Washington and the City of Buckley to build a bridge on the Foothills Trail over the White River, filling the missing link between trail segments in Buckley and the Pierce County Regional Trail System.
“Today we have made a significant step forward into closing the 1.5-mile gap in the Foothills Trail and connecting folks across Pierce and King County lines,” Dunn said. “I could not be more proud to have supported this project for many years now, and of the collaboration that took place so that our interconnected communities will be able to enjoy this trail system for decades to come.”
Together, the two approved ordinances allow King County to develop, maintain, and operate the multi-use bridge, known as the Foothills Segment B addition, for the next 30 years. In addition to providing recreational opportunities, the new trail segment will support economic and civic growth by providing an additional non-motorized transportation option to local businesses.
A 2015 agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation, Pierce County, the City of Buckley, and the City of Enumclaw established the framework and funding for this bridge. With today's vote, the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks will begin construction on the bridge beginning as soon as August, with a targeted completion date set for the end of 2023 (artist rendering attached).
“The new White River Bridge on the Foothills Trail will connect the pathway for pedestrians and bicyclists between two great counties,” said Enumclaw Mayor Jan Molinaro. “The bridge will expand the overall use for this trail as well as provide an additional bridge that could accommodate an emergency vehicle. Enumclaw is excited to see the bridge construction begin as all citizens see this as a wonderful extension to outdoor exercise and fun.”
“Today’s action by King County was another step towards realizing a multiyear dream of connecting the two trail segments and the communities of Buckley and Enumclaw,” said Buckley Mayor Beau Burkett. “Completion of the linkage over the White River will provide huge recreational benefits to the community as well as provide a secondary emergency access. Buckley is proud to be a partner in this collaborative effort.”
The Foothills Trail consists of 30 miles of trail segments in Pierce County and southern King County along a former Northern Pacific Railway Company rail corridor. This trail includes segments that connect Carbonado to Wilkeson; South Prairie to Puyallup; Cascade Junction to Buckley; and across Enumclaw.
To learn more about the Foothills Trail, visit: https://kingcounty.gov/services/parks-recreation/parks/trails/regional-trails/popular-trails/foothills
