Several organizations benefiting Federal Way recently received environmental grants from the Port of Seattle’s South King County Community Impact fund.

The Port awarded $687,000 in total to support public improvement projects in Federal Way and other cities in South King. In total, 18 organizations organizations serving communities around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will receive funding.

“Supporting community-led projects is how we drive an equitable recovery and change our own systems to be more inclusive,” said Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa. “Programs like this help create healthy and welcoming spaces, provide pathways for green jobs, and provide safe access to outdoor recreation.”

African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program International, which works with Black and African immigrant youth to restore parks in Federal Way and Des Moines, will receive $60,000 over the next three years.

“We are so excited to bring a community together to tackle environmental awareness in communities that are often left out of environmental movements,” said Beatrice Kiraguri, executive director of African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program International (AYDEPI). “With minority youth taking initiative in Federal Way and Des Moines, the outcomes of this project will be exciting to witness.”

The Federal Way Korean American Association also received funding, continuing its five-year plan to build the first Korean garden in Federal Way. Named Hanwoori Korean Garden (550 SW Campus Drive), this garden allows community members to enjoy and nurture the garden, while also providing an opportunity for inter-generational teachings and bonding. The Hanwoori Korean Garden project will receive $60,000 over the following three years.

Tilth Alliance will continue its yearlong environmental training and community-capacity building program where trainees learn to address food and environmental solutions in their communities. Tilth serves communities in Federal Way, Burien, Des Moines, SeaTac and Tukwila. This program is funded at $45,000 over the next three years.

These recipient projects reflect the rich diversity in South King County and aim to improve the quality of life in communities surrounding the airport, according to the Port of Seattle.

To view the full list of recipients, visit portseattle.org.