By Shannon Affholter, The Everett Herald

Despite numerous legislative efforts to find a permanent and balanced solution to address the Washington state Supreme Court's Hirst decision, lawmakers in Olympia remain deadlocked on the issue. Unfortunately, the legislature adjourned on Thursday without reaching an agreement.

The 2016 Hirst decision has effectively halted many people from building their homes in areas that depend on well water. The ruling has created a great deal of uncertainty for counties, rural communities, builders, and families across the state. As legislators leave town, the hardship on affected property owners will continue without being resolved.

The Building Industry Association of Washington has received a 2018 City Champion Award in the Partners for Progress category from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

The award was given to BIAW and other partners, including MBAKS and several of its members, for finding common ground to help pass Hirst and Foster “fix” legislation and for efforts to ensure city challenges were expressed throughout the process.

“This award recognizes the unique partnerships created to address the complex water resource issues that faced our state these past few years,” the AWC announced.

BIAW President Kevin Russell says of the award, “We are honored to be an AWC award recipient along with all of the other partners. BIAW is pleased that we were able to find common ground and a mutually agreed to fix for the Hirst and Foster decisions.” 

“The importance of the Hirst Fix cannot be overstated,” adds MBAKS Interim Director of Government Affairs Mike Pattison. “Without the hard work of so many dedicated partners, entire family savings and hopes would have been wiped out.”

Read the full press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sharon Couts
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
425.499.1723

Local Remodeling Companies Win Big at Master Builders Association’s Biggest REX/T-REX Awards

BELLEVUE, Wash.—May 7, 2018—On Saturday, local remodeling companies gathered at the Seattle Design Center to celebrate their craftsmanship and talents at the annual Remodeling/Trade Remodeling Excellence (REX/T-REX) Awards, produced by the Remodelers Council of Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. Overall, 87 entries were submitted, the highest number in the 32-year history of the event. Entries were judged by independent remodeling professionals who chose winners based on the following six criteria:

1. Aesthetics—Is the project visually appealing?
2. Special or unique design solutions—Does the project reflect optimal space planning and livability?
3. Quality workmanship—Does the project exhibit special crafting or exceptional features?
4. Use of appropriate building material—Does the project complement existing structure and design?
5. Budgetary consideration—How did the remodeler successfully utilize solutions to budgetary constraints?
6. Challenges and obstacles—Did the remodeler overcome unique challenges in completing the project?

Here are the 2018 winners (Additional photos available upon request):

About the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties

Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties has grown to become the largest residential homebuilders association in the United States. With nearly 3,000 member companies, the association is dedicated to membership value, housing advocacy, community service, and financial stewardship throughout the Puget Sound region.

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