HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council Workshop - Minutes - 02/19/2013 E IV
w`�"'"" Kent City Council Workshop
February 19, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Councilmember Ralph.
Councilmembers present: Boyce, Perry, Ralph, Ranniger, and Albertson (arrived at
5:43 p.m.)
Federal Legislation — Ben Wolters, Economic Development Director introduced Ben
McMakin from Van Ness Feldman who represents the City's interests in Washington
DC. He gave a general background of what has gone on this year since the re-election
of President Obama. He highlighted the activities in the Senate and the House of
Representatives and how it affects Kent. He discussed levees, flood control, the
environment, and transportation funding opportunities in the City. He touched on the
accreditation of highways issue with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). He noted the Federal Environmental
Management Agency (FEMA) nationwide mapping exercise and the levee certification
progress. Additionally, he stated, concerning energy and water appropriations, that
the Green Duwamish project continues to be supported. Mr. McMakin discussed the
City's specific transportation interests and discussed the highway bill reauthorization
and transportation appropriations.
Mr. McMakin opened his presentation up to questions from the Council. He responded
to Councilmember Boyce concerning how the process works in obtaining federal
funding for Kent interests. He added, in response to Councilmember Ralph, that it is
harder and much more competitive for individual members and cities to obtain funds
for their projects.He noted that the "thirst" for projects hasn't changed, but the
amount of funds available has.
Councilmember Ranninger inquired about the competition for funds SR167 and SR509
and Mr. McMakin replied that the new Highway Bill allows the state to handle these
funds. He doubts the state will have funds or be able to choose between them.
Discussion continued concerning intergovernmental issues such as the Port of Seattle
and Tacoma working together, coal movement, imports and exports, etc.
Mr. McMakin noted what the city of Kent can do to increase attention to its priorities.
He suggested that the City continue to work to show the delegation and staff the
critical importance of Kent's priority projects.
Mr. Wolters communicated that the City has capitalized the levee issue and stated
that Mr. McMakin has done a great job with FEMA concerning our levee accreditation
process.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Ronald F. Moore, rMMC
City Clerk
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