Seven months ago, the rains came and melted the snowpack, causing landslides and record flooding. All of us who live in the Valley felt the impact.

Those of us who live on Middle Fork Road lost access to our homes due to more than a dozen landslides and washouts that completely closed our road. King County road crews responded quickly to scoop out the muck and try to stabilize the roadbed. Their temporary repairs were greatly appreciated, but they have not finished the job, and I see no evidence of any attempts to do so.

As of today, portions of the road are restricted to one lane with Jersey barriers placed to prevent cars from going over the adjacent precipice. Heavy trucks are being allowed to use the weight-restricted portion of Middle Fork Road because of the complete closure of Lake Dorothy Road, and school buses are not allowed to pick up our children because the county has determined the road is not safe enough for the buses.

Now we enjoy nice weather, which would be ideal for making the necessary repairs, but we see no activity by the county. What are they waiting for? More rain? The rains will come soon enough, and when they do, they will wash away the remainder of our damaged Middle Fork Road. The county needs to get off its keister and get to work now!

Steve Hughes

North Bend