Every year the state Legislature is challenged with the need to balance multiple priorities within the constraints of limited state resources.

One priority that should be on all the legislators’ radar is protecting and enhancing the quality of life for all Washingtonians where our local economy is supported by a healthy environment.

With the heavy rainfall of Washington carrying pollutants from our cars, lawns, and sewers straight into a body of water shared by all, we all have a responsibility to try to keep that water clean. Storm water runoff is the largest source of water pollution in water bodies across the state – from Puget Sound to the Spokane River.

Over the last few years, the Legislature has put temporary funding measures in place as an initial down payment on addressing this pressing problem. However, a long-term and more permanent funding source is needed for local communities.

The environmental community is supporting the Conservation Works Priority, a package of natural resource programs in the capital budget. The package is a direct path to cutting down the amount of pollution entering our waters by providing critical funds in the capital budget for local jurisdictions to address storm water. Support for Conservation Works is good fiscal stewardship.

I urge Sen. Andy Hill to support this effort and protect our waterways such as Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish and Puget Sound. With this priority we have the chance to help the local economy through job creation while protecting Washington’s waterways.

Ron Snell, Kirkland