Si View Metro Parks is asking for the community’s help to build legislative support for heritage preservation funding.

The historic Tollgate Farmhouse located in North Bend has been recommended for $279,333 in grant funding in 2017 from the Washington Heritage Capital Projects Fund program. This funding would enable Si View Metro Parks to rehabilitate the interior of the farmhouse for use as a community space. Exterior rehabilitation was recently completed thanks to grant funding from King County Saving Landmarks initiative.

However, in the current state budget proposal, the Heritage Capital Projects Fund program is not fully funded; the Tollgate interior project would not receive any support. Community members who value historic preservation in Snoqualmie Valley are encouraged to contact local legislators to voice support for a fully funded Heritage Capital Projects Fund program.

Since 1997, the State Historical Society has administered more than $67 million through the program to help projects across the state, including the Tollgate Farmhouse and Si View Community Center. This key state support has generated an additional $135 million in local investment across the state, preserving cherished sites for public enjoyment. This program has been instrumental in supporting several Si View Metro Parks projects over the last decade.

Here’s how to contact your legislators:

• Gov. Jay Inslee, http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/contact/send-gov-inslee-e-message;

• State Sen. Mark Mullet, https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/5/0;

• State Rep. Jay Rodne, https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/5/1;

• State Rep. Paul Graves: E-mail Rep. Graves, https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/5/2.