Washington
WA-8
Carmen Goers
Republican
Historic Preservation Fund:
Do you support stable and robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Would you support efforts to reauthorize and increase the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives:
Would you support efforts to modernize and enhance the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program?
Yes
Do you support the Federal Historic Preservation Easement program?
Yes
Historic Preservation Protections:
Would you support policies that ensure that the impact on historic and cultural resources continue to be considered as part of the federal project planning process?
Unsure
Since I support tribal history and the preservation of American history, I need a better understanding of the potential fiscal impacts on policy decisions. In addition, I would like to hear from stakeholders to uncover potential unintended consequences of such policy decisions.
Does historic preservation play an important role in your state/district? How so? Describe any personal connections to historic preservation or historic sites. Is there a specific historic place in your district that is important to you and your constituents?
Washington’s 8th Congressional District is home to a number historical sites. These include Bridges connecting Chelan County to Douglas County, the Libraries in my hometown of Auburn to a beautiful venue in Maple Valley. Two connections i have is to the Lake Wilderness lodge, i’ve been here a few times for different events. The beauty of this site is one to be truly amazed by. Another one is the Auburn Library, i have taken my grandchildren there and it brings me joy to know that it is a historic site.
WA-9
Melissa Chaudhry
Democrat
Historic Preservation Fund:
Do you support stable and robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Would you support efforts to reauthorize and increase the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives:
Would you support efforts to modernize and enhance the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program?
Yes
Do you support the Federal Historic Preservation Easement program?
Yes
Historic Preservation Protections:
Would you support policies that ensure that the impact on historic and cultural resources continue to be considered as part of the federal project planning process?
Yes
Does historic preservation play an important role in your state/district? How so? Describe any personal connections to historic preservation or historic sites. Is there a specific historic place in your district that is important to you and your constituents?
Yes. Historic preservation plays an integral role in Washington’s 9th Congressional District, where our past is deeply intertwined with both our communities and natural landscapes. From the coal mines of Newcastle to the ecological corridors that support wildlife today, there is a clear link between historical preservation and environmental sustainability.
Take Coal Creek, for example—a site central to the coal mining industry that once helped shape Seattle’s transformation into a major port city. More than 10 million tons of coal were extracted from this area between the 1860s and 1960s. Though the bustling coal mines have long since closed, the land remains a testament to this industrial heritage. Today, places like Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park and Coal Creek Park protect what remains of this history, offering educational opportunities through remnants of mine shafts and foundations.
But preserving the past goes beyond just honoring history—it’s about securing a future where our cultural heritage and natural environment are preserved together. That’s why the Save Coal Creek campaign resonates so strongly with me and many in our community. It aims to protect a 12-acre wildlife corridor connecting two vital natural areas—Cougar Mountain and the Coal Creek Natural Area—while also safeguarding the historical significance of the land. The proposed development here would disrupt not only sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitats but would also erase part of our shared history.
In supporting efforts like Save Coal Creek, we’re standing up for both the ecological and cultural continuity of our district. Protecting these spaces ensures that future generations can learn from our past while enjoying the natural beauty that defines our region. To me, historic preservation isn’t just about looking backward—it’s about preserving the stories and spaces that make us who we are, and ensuring that our community, our history, and our environment thrive together.