Kevin Waters
Kevin Waters
Legislative District 17
News Feed
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Reps. Kevin Waters and Peter Abbarno: Forest lockup is harmful; Washington commissioner’s unilateral move isn’t ‘bold’; it is mismanagement
When Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove announced that he was locking away 77,000 acres of Washington’s 106,000 acres of structurally complex forests — including roughly 10,000 acres of older state-managed stands — he called it a “bold” step. From our view, it was reckless — and it doesn’t even accomplish what he claims. Locking... Read more » -
Radio: Rep. Kevin Waters discusses timber lockdown concerns with KXL’s Lars Larson (Portland)
Rep. Kevin Waters, R-Stevenson, outlined his concerns with KXL’s Lars Larson (Portland) about Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove permanently locking up thousands of acres of timber on state trust lands from harvest. Waters says the decision will deprive local schools across the state of millions of dollars in timber revenues. Wash. House Republicans · 09-04-25... Read more » -
Radio: Rep. Kevin Waters joins the Tri-Cities’ KONA Radio to discuss timber lockdown concerns
Rep. Kevin Waters, R-Stevenson, joins Robb Francis and John McKay on KONA Radio’s “The Bottom Line” (Tri-Cities, Washington) to discuss his concerns about the state’s Public Lands Commissioner permanently locking up thousands of acres of timber on state trust lands against harvest. Waters says the decision by Commissioner Dave Upthegrove will deprive local schools across... Read more » -
Radio: Rep. Kevin Waters joins KVI’s Phil Vandervort to discuss state timber lockdown concerns
Rep. Kevin Waters, R-Stevenson, tells KVI Radio’s Phil Vandervort that a decision by Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove to lock down thousands of acres of state timber trust lands from harvest will have devastating effects on school funding and timber jobs. Wash. House Republicans · 08-29-25 – RADIO: Rep. Kevin Waters joins KVI's Phil Vandervort... Read more » -
Working on the most important issues to you during the interim | Legislative update from Rep. Kevin Waters
I hope you’ve had an enjoyable summer in our beautiful state. The 2025 legislative session ended in late April, but I have been busy working on your behalf in the 17th District the last several months. Even though it’s the interim, my legislative duties never end. I have been meeting with many local government officials,... Read more » -
Rep. Kevin Waters issues statement after the DNR’s nearsighted decision to limit timber harvesting in Washington
When the newly elected Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove took office earlier this year, one of his first actions was to halt roughly two dozen pending timber sales as part of an effort to conserve 77,000 acres of state forests. That ‘pause’ lasted eight months and reduced the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) timber... Read more » -
Radio Report: Waters warns state trust lands timber lockdown will hurt Washington schools
Schools across Washington state rely on revenue from timber sales on state trust lands. A Southwest Washington lawmaker says a decision this week to conserve thousands of acres from harvest could have serious consequences on kids going back to school. John Sattgast reports. Wash. House Republicans · 08-28-25 – RADIO REPORT: Waters warns state trust... Read more » -
Radio: Rep. Waters reacts on KVI to lock down of 77,000 Washington state timber acres
Rep. Kevin Waters, R-Stevenson, took aim Wednesday at the state Department of Natural Resources on KVI Radio, criticizing a decision to lock down some 77,000 acres of Washington timber from harvest. Joining KVI’s Ari Hoffman, Waters said Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove’s decision to set aside timber from state trust lands will likely result in at... Read more » -
Gorge Commission receives funding, governor signs my bills, and the majority party raises taxes | Legislative update from Kevin Waters
The 2025 legislative session ended on Sunday, April 27, with the state’s three budgets passing. This was a difficult session for many reasons, including the budget deficit created by overspending by state government. However, we did accomplish a lot, and many good bills will become law. Unfortunately, not every policy that reaches the governor’s desk... Read more » -
17th District lawmakers secure more than $46 million in the 2025-27 capital and transportation budgets
Lawmakers from the 17th District helped secure important funding for their district on Sunday, as the Washington State Legislature approved the state’s 2025-27 capital and transportation budgets. The capital budget is primarily funded through bond sales and focuses on long-term physical investments such as public schools, water systems, and community facilities. The final budget spends... Read more »