Community group hosts fundraiser to ‘Save the Cedar River’ from asphalt plant

By Reporter Staff • October 19, 2022 1:30 am
Photos from the Oct. 15 community fundraiser. Courtesy photos
Photos from the Oct. 15 community fundraiser. Courtesy photos

A community fundraiser focused on preventing an asphalt plant from being built on State Route 169 adjacent to the Cedar River was held on Oct. 15 at VFW Post 1263 on behalf of the Citizens to Stop the SR169 Asphalt Plant Legal Fund.

The event was reportedly sold out as members of the Renton area and nearby communities came together in support of protecting the Cedar River that flows through Renton from what they believe could be a source of pollution.

Citizens to Stop the SR169 Asphalt Plant Legal Fund, which also does business as “Save The Cedar River,” is a group of concerned citizens that primarily reside along the SR 169 corridor and who are dedicated to stopping the construction of a hot mix asphalt plant next to the Cedar River and near residential neighborhoods.

Formed in September 2017, the group protests against King County to stop the industrial use of properties bordering the banks of the river.

It includes residents of Renton, unincorporated areas of Renton, Maple Valley, Mercer Island and Seattle, as well as others.

“Together, we represent an enormous community of residents who will be severely and adversely impacted by this proposed industrial use. A potential environmental disaster from pollution can affect the water quality and salmon runs on the river, an important food source of the South Puget Sound orcas,” read a statement from the group regarding its mission.

The group gave special thanks to Renton City Council Member Kim-Khanh Van, Co-Chairs Bob Baker, S. Dutch Deutschman, Dr. Hugh Brown, Sue Edwards, Kathleen Baker, Mrs. Renton Ambassador Jennifer Brothers, Mrs. India USA Akshi Jain, Paula Sardiñas with WA Build Back Black Alliance, Nola’s Events and Catering, Danielle Smith from Dirty Dawgz and Menka Soni, Jill Davenport, Tiffiny Wiley, Mark St. Peter, Kaitlyn Van, Gentle Vuong, Kevin Pieczynski-Jones and Marvin Rosete.

A community fundraiser focused on preventing an asphalt plant from being built on State Route 169 adjacent to the Cedar River was held on Oct. 15. Courtesy photos

A community fundraiser focused on preventing an asphalt plant from being built on State Route 169 adjacent to the Cedar River was held on Oct. 15. Courtesy photos

Courtesy photos A community fundraiser focused on preventing an asphalt plant from being built on State Route 169 adjacent to the Cedar River was held on Oct. 15.

Courtesy photos A community fundraiser focused on preventing an asphalt plant from being built on State Route 169 adjacent to the Cedar River was held on Oct. 15.