King County purchases former asphalt plant site for public use

King County has officially purchased a site along the Cedar River that was previously slated for the construction of an asphalt plant. The land, located at 18825 Renton-Maple Valley Road, will be preserved for public use, including parks and open spaces.

The acquisition concludes a nearly decade-long effort by community groups and local officials to prevent industrial development on the property. Lakeside Industries had proposed the asphalt plant in 2017, receiving a permit in April 2022 despite opposition from Councilmember Reagan Dunn and the group Save the Cedar River.

While the community group lost a Superior Court battle in May 2024, the project was eventually abandoned after Lakeside Industries agreed to build a warehouse before ultimately deciding to sell the property. The purchase follows legislation sponsored by Dunn in 2021 to prioritize the acquisition of parcels along SR-169 for land preservation.