Contact:
Rose Intveld
Communications Specialist
Rose.Intveld@snoco.org
425-388-6621
Construction Funding for SR 530 Slide Memorial Approved in 2022 County Budget
Permanent memorial at site of fatal landslide now scheduled to be completed in 2023
OSO, Wash., November 30, 2021 – The Snohomish County Council recently approved Snohomish County’s 2022 budget, including $4,800,000 in funding for the SR 530 Slide Memorial Project proposed by Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. This funding is the last portion needed to fully fund construction of the project, which is estimated to cost $5 million and be completed in 2023.
“I proposed this funding because we need to tell the story of what happened on that tragic day in 2014,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “The entire Stillaguamish Valley is still recovering from the effects of the slide and people travel from all over the world to see for themselves the magnitude of the loss. The SR 530 Slide Memorial will give families and our broader community a place to mourn, remember, and honor.”
For almost eight years, Snohomish County Parks & Recreation has been working with families of victims, survivors, and first responders of the March 22, 2014, SR 530 Slide to design and build a permanent memorial at the site of the tragic event to honor those who were lost, those who survived, the responders, and the resilience of the surrounding communities.
“Families across Snohomish County are still hurting from their losses on that day,” said Snohomish County Councilmember Nate Nehring. “The SR 530 Slide Memorial will help people across the Stilly Valley to remember the heroes of that day and pay tribute to those we lost. It will also provide an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the resilient people of the Stilly Valley.”
While initial construction funding has been identified, donations are also being sought to help complete the community-led project. Consider donating this Giving Tuesday, November 30 or for a year-end donation. Donations will ensure that there is sufficient funding to complete all the parts of the memorial as envisioned, help with a future endowment for maintenance, and also represents one of the key aspects of this project: the community coming together to support each other.
"Donations are not just about giving money,” said John Hadaway, brother of Steven Hadaway, one of the 43 victims of the landslide. “It shows the support and love for your community."
The design for the memorial has been completed, and construction for the project will be split into phases. The first phase will take place in the summer of 2022 and will focus on general site improvements such as grading, drainage, parking, foundations, pathways and plazas. This will be followed by the second phase of construction in 2023, which will focus on installing buildings, plantings and interpretive materials.
To learn more about the Slide Memorial and to donate, visit www.slidememorial.com/support