King County proposes $100M to protect 1,500 acres across 57 projects

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay has proposed allocating $100 million in conservation funding for 57 projects aimed at expanding urban greenspace, restoring salmon habitat and protecting farmland, forestland and natural areas across the region.Announced on September 10, the proposal would use existing revenue sources to protect approximately 1,500 acres throughout King County, if approved by the King County Council.$100 million proposal targets parks, farms and salmon habitatAccording to the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP Field Notes), the conservation package includes projects ranging from permanently protecting a popular park in SeaTac and preserving a P-Patch and orchard beside affordable housing in Bellevue to transforming a gravel parking lot along the Duwamish River into salmon habitat.The proposal would also protect farmland that supports the region's local food economy and expand opportunities for trails, recreation and access to natural areas.“One of the most powerful tools we have as a…