Rebuilding from flooding requires local rock, sand and gravel | Opinion

Washington needs local rock, sand and gravel

Washington’s recent mega‑rain events exposed a hard truth: our infrastructure is not built for the climate realities we face. Flooded highways, isolated communities, and overwhelmed public works show the urgent need to rethink how we build, maintain and fund our infrastructure.

The Washington Aggregates and Concrete Association represents the producers of the rock, sand, gravel and concrete that form the backbone of every recovery effort. Our rebuilding effort depends on materials sourced from local mines that support thousands of family‑wage jobs. Our industry stands ready to supply what Washington needs, but long, uncertain permitting timelines threaten that readiness. Mines don’t last forever, and new sites must be approved near the communities they serve.

Locally sourced materials strengthen supply chains, reduce emissions, support rural economies, and ensure rapid response when disasters strike. But resilience also requires policy change. WSDOT’s preservation backlog grows each year, environmental reviews take too long for urgent projects, and carbon‑reduction goals must be aligned with durable, climate‑resilient infrastructure.

Washington cannot afford to rebuild the same way after every storm. By streamlining permitting, investing in maintenance, and prioritizing resilient, locally sourced materials, we can build a stronger, safer future. The choice is resilience, or continued vulnerability.

Cory Shaw, Des Moines

Remembering Burk Ketcham

Members of the Tacoma Retired Men’s Book Club are saddened to announce the death of one of our long-time members, Burk Ketcham, who passed away at 100 on December 22 in Hingham Massachusetts, near where he had been living recently to be closer to his children. Burk spent twenty years in Tacoma during which time he was a vital member of our community.

He was active in the Pierce County Peace and Justice communities. He competed in rowing events in Tacoma and Seattle and won medals twice at world masters’ rowing championships. He was an avid supporter of music, poetry, and art in Tacoma. He sent hand-painted Christmas cards, cherished by over 150 friends, every year including 2025.

After turning 90, he wrote seven novels and two poetry books. Burk will be long remembered as an icon, a role model, and a valued friend of many, including all of us in the reading group. We share this information for the benefit of all those in the Northwest who might not be aware of his passing.

Van Perdue, Tacoma

Pass the Pray Safe Act

As a person of faith, I am reflecting upon the past holiday season and what it means to me. In addition to my joy, it is tempered with sadness due to the various acts of violence and threats targeting houses of worship.

It is vital to have steady support to keep all our religious communities safe and secure. I urge Congress to finally pass the bi partisan Pray Safe Act for the benefit of the Jewish and all religious communities. This Act creates a one stop federal clearing house. It enables synagogues, churches, mosques, and other faith based institutions to quickly and accurately access security best practices and how to apply for federal safety grants.

I urge Congress to pass this Act for all of us including our kids and grandchildren.

Jay Soroka, Seattle