Benton-Franklin Council of Governments

06/23/2026

🎇 Spark Local – Buy in Kennewick, Know It’s Legal 🎇
Buying fireworks from licensed Kennewick vendors helps ensure what you purchase is legal to use in city limits.

🚫 Illegal Fireworks in Kennewick: Aerial spinners, firecrackers, mines and shells, ground chasers, ground spinners, Roman candles, smoke devices, jumping jacks, combination items, professional and specialty fireworks (including those designed for large public displays, agricultural use, or movie special effects), and oversized or non-standard fireworks that exceed legal limits for size, weight, or chemical composition.

✅ Legal Fireworks in Kennewick: Fountains, sparklers, wheels, parachutes and
novelty items.

💧 Fireworks Safety Tips: Always have water nearby, closely supervise children, keep fireworks away from dry grass, brush, and structures, and soak used fireworks overnight before disposing of them.

Celebrate responsibly and have a safe Fourth of July!

For more information go to: https://www.go2kennewick.com/1671/Fireworks

Image Description: A group of people outdoors at night hold lit sparklers. A blue banner with green accent waves overlays the bottom of the image and features the message: “Spark Local – Buy in Kennewick, know it’s legal.”

06/23/2026

Learn how you can share your input on the future of transportation ...

06/23/2026

🚧 Transportation Tuesday Traffic Alert Reminder 🚧

The Keene Road & SR 224 intersection closure is now in effect as roundabout construction moves forward. Please plan for detours, allow extra travel time, and follow posted signs.

For project updates and detour maps, visit the City of West Richland website.

⚠Traffic Alert: Keene Road/SR 224 Intersection Closure Begins Today
Starting today (June 22), the Keene Road and SR 224 intersection is closed as construction of the new roundabout moves into its next phase.

➡️ Detours are in place via Keene Road, Paradise Way, and Belmont Boulevard.
➡️ The closure is expected to last approximately two months while crews build the roundabout and complete roadway connections.
➡️ Please plan extra travel time and follow posted detour signs.

Elsewhere along the project corridor, work continues between Belmont Boulevard and 62nd Avenue, and drivers may encounter flaggers and temporary lane reductions east of 62nd Avenue during working hours.

Thank you for your patience as we continue making improvements along the SR 224 corridor!

For project updates and detour maps, visit the City website.

06/18/2026

BFCOG Office Closure – Juneteenth

In observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day, the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCOG) office will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026.

We will resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22, 2026. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

06/15/2026

Authorized Discharge Times : Know Before You Glow
Fireworks may only be discharged during authorized periods established by City code:
July 2nd - Between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 pm.
July 3rd - Between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 pm.
July 4th - Between 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight
Fireworks discharged outside these hours may be subject to enforcement action. Save this post and share it with friends and family who plan to celebrate in West Richland.

06/15/2026

Join us to review and provide input on the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. A copy of the plan can be found at www.bces.wa.gov.

The Benton County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update public meeting opportunities:
-June 15th from 6:00-7:00 PM at the Kennewick Mid-Columbia Library, 1620 S Union St. in Kennewick
-June 17th from 3:00-4:00 PM at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr. in Richland and
-June 17th from 6:00-7:00 PM at the Prosser Mid-Columbia Library, 902 7th St in Prosser.

Your feedback helps shape how our community prepares for and responds to natural hazards. All residents are encouraged to attend and share their comments.

06/15/2026

Looking for an exciting opportunity to help create memorable community events? The city of Kennewick is hiring an Events & Tournament Coordinator for Parks & Recreation.

💲 $6,705 - $8,584 Monthly
✅ Coordinate tournaments, special events, and facility rentals throughout Kennewick
✅ Manage event planning from permitting and scheduling to on-site support and final billing
✅ Work with community organizations, vendors, sports groups, and event organizers
✅ Help bring events to life at Columbia Park, Southridge Sports & Events Complex, and other City facilities
✅ Gain experience in event management, marketing, sponsorships, customer service, and public engagement

Who should apply?
✔ Organized and detail-oriented professionals
✔ Individuals who enjoy planning events and working with the public
✔ Applicants with 3+ years of experience in event coordination, hospitality, recreation, or project management
✔Contract administration experience is a plus
✔ Team players who thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy creating positive community experiences
Help make Kennewick’s events, tournaments, and community gatherings a success.

Apply today at:
www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kennewick

Image Description: An individual wearing a city of Kennewick staff shirt over a dog hoodie. A graphic overlay with information for a Parks & Recreation Events & Tournament Coordinator position, with details about salary, a closing date of July 5, and “Apply today: See link in description.”

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

🚧 SR 224 Construction Update 🚧

Here's a look at what's happening along the SR 224 Improvement Project this week:

🔹 Keene Road Roundabout Area
Work continues on the temporary bypass that will be used during the upcoming closure of the Keene Road/SR 224 intersection. Crews are installing storm drainage infrastructure and grading the future roadway alignment.

SR 224 remains closed between Keene Road and Paradise Way, with detours in place. The Keene Road intersection remains open for now, but a full intersection closure is currently scheduled to begin on June 22. Additional details and detour information will be shared this week.

🔹 Belmont Boulevard to 62nd Avenue
Traffic remains shifted to the north side of the roadway while crews continue excavation and roadway preparation on the south side. Upcoming work includes lighting installation, placement of base rock, and paving preparation.

Please remember that Meyers Street remains closed, and access to the mobile home park is available via 62nd Avenue.

🔹 62nd Avenue to the Post Office
Crews are wrapping up underground water system modifications and will begin installation of the reservoir drain line on June 22.

Drivers may encounter temporary one-lane traffic with flaggers between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at active work locations.

Thank you for your continued patience as we invest in safer roads, improved infrastructure, and a stronger transportation network for West Richland.

Learn more about the project:
https://www.westrichland.org/283/Current-and-Future-Projects