From a press release:

One of King County’s oldest cemeteries is getting a boost thanks to legislation sponsored by Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn.

Dunn’s legislation, unanimously adopted by the Council at its July 18 meeting, sets aside $1000 from the 2016-2017 King County Biennial Budget for the Newcastle Historical Society to fund improvements to the Newcastle Cemetery.

“I am glad that this legislation supports the preservation of a key piece of the City of Newcastle’s history,” Dunn in a press release. “Protecting and improving one of our region’s oldest cemeteries is an important investment for connecting future generations with the stories of those that came before them.”

“The City of Newcastle and the Historical Society are very grateful for receiving funds to help maintain one of our historic sites,” said Newcastle Mayor Rich Crispo. “I look forward to the improvements to our Miner’s Cemetery and the opportunities for the public to visit. Thanks to Councilmember Dunn for advocating for this important work.”

In 1978, the Newcastle Historical Society was created by local mining families who were interested in protecting what remained of area’s coal mining heritage, including the Newcastle Cemetery. The cemetery has served Newcastle for more than a century, when it was a thriving coal mining town. However, damage from fire and vandals has left the cemetery in a state of disrepair and inaccessible to the public.

The funds from King County will assist the Newcastle Historical Society in their efforts to improve and reopen the historic site.