Silverdale, WA
Recently, in conjunction with Money Magazine and Fortune Magazine, CNN released a list of “America’s 100 Best Small Towns”. Washington is well represented on the list, including our very own Silverdale community, listed at #92. The article mentions just a few of the reasons Silverdale is a great place to live: scenic beauty, great schools, and the presence of so many military families and retirees.
During this year’s regular legislative session, I worked with Rep. Rolfes in pushing adoption of legislation (HB 1532) that grants Silverdale Water District No. 16, and other water systems, the right to move forward with its reclaimed water projects. They will be able to build, operate and maintain reclaimed water systems and reduce the strain on freshwater systems and aquifers. This will help areas like Silverdale provide water for their customers. This is important because in communities around the state, declining aquifers are causing saltwater to intrude into supplies of drinking water.
Marcus Hoffman from Silverdale Water District, which serves some 6,000 customers, came to Olympia twice to testify why and how this bill would be helpful to local water suppliers like the Silverdale. I am grateful for his active support and for the opportunity to support Silverdale residents with their water needs. Water is a precious natural resource and as population grows we’ll need to conserve and recycle it to meet future needs.
While it comes as no surprise to us that Silverdale is recognized nationally, it is fantastic to see a Kitsap community recognized on the national stage. Ensuring that Silverdale and all of our 23rd District communities maintain their status as models for livability is a top priority for me. It is also the reason that I will continue to work hard in the Senate as an advocate for long-term community planning, continued progress in cleaning up Puget Sound, and the protection of our natural resources.