Published on March 21, 2025
Media Contact David Wolbrecht Communications Program Manager dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov
The City of Kirkland received the announcement from King County today regarding its selection of the Houghton Transfer Station site in Kirkland and Alternative 1B for the Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station Project.
Kirkland is disappointed that this announcement comes today, prior to the close of the appeal process for the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Kirkland staff are still currently reviewing the final EIS that was just issued on March 10th to ensure that all comments are adequately addressed prior to the appeals deadline. King County also just released an addendum to the EIS on March 20th that also needs review. King County cannot make a fully informed decision on either alternative in Kirkland when the EIS process is not yet completed.
Because of the short timeline King County has provided for review of the adequacy of the EIS, the City is evaluating all options related to the appeal process for the final EIS.
The City also maintains its long-held position that the new transfer station needs to be a state-of-the-art facility built to modern standards and with advanced amenities. The new station must also include comprehensive controls for odor, birds, and materials. The new facility needs to increase access to comprehensive recycling, reuse, and repair options as well as incorporating public spaces to benefit our full community. With the selection of the current Houghton Transfer Station site, the City expects the County will redirect the millions allocated for property acquisition in addition to the expected mitigation budget and use those funds to mitigate negative impacts the facility and its construction may have on the nearby surrounding community. Kirkland has provided specific details regarding mitigation in our earlier letters and consistently voiced our requirement for proper mitigation.
I look forward to King County confirming that it will build a modern facility and dedicate full and thorough funding for all necessary mitigation.
-Mayor Kelli Curtis
King County Lake Swimming Beach Data Program