Sumner’s Orton Junction in Jeopardy After County Found Out of Compliance with Growth Law

 Sumner’s Orton Junction project and millions of dollars in grant funding for Pierce County are in limbo after the county was found out of compliance with the state Growth Management Act.

According to a report in the Tacoma News Tribune, the County Council introduced an emergency ordinance yesterday that would repeal several comprehensive plan amendments to get back in line with the code – including Sumner’s Orton Junction.

If the ordinance passes next week, it would repeal county approval of the 182-acre mixed-use development plan that would include a local YMCA.

of the Growth Management Hearings Board decision to deny Orton Junction. Once the appeal is filed the county can request the board to stay the ruling that the county is out of compliance.

County leaders are also sending a petition to Gov. Chris Gregoire that will request she not penalize county grant applications while it resolves issues with the GMHB.

If the county doesn’t act, $11 million in potential grant awards for clean water, roads and other public works projects could be lost.