Political Quotes

“I join my colleague Senator Murray in commemorating the Ballard Locks' 100th anniversary. As our constituents in Washington State know, these locks are an integral part of our regional economy. The safe and efficient operation of the Ballard Locks supports $1.2 billion in total lock-related economic activity, more than 3,000 full-time jobs, and more than 1 million tons of freight. With over 1.3 million visitors a year to see the locks and the fish ladder and visit the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens, the Ballard Locks are one of the region's top tourist attractions generating another $40 million in economic activity per year. The Ballard Locks provide critical public safety and environmental functions, maintaining the water level of Lake Washington and Lake Union and preventing salt water intrusion from Puget Sound into these freshwater lakes. The locks support two floating highway bridges-- Interstate-90 and State Route-520--the water and sewer systems that serve Mercer Island residents, and approximately 75 miles of developed commercial, municipal, and residential shoreline. It also allows for emergency response by the Seattle Fire Department, Seattle Harbor Patrol, King County Sheriff, and U.S. Coast Guard. The facilities spillway and fish ladder serve as a link for salmon and steelhead migrating from the ocean upstream to freshwater spawning grounds, which is important to fulfilling Federal Tribal treaty responsibilities.”