Title
Sea Level Rise Funding Strategy
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the information. Briefing only; No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on funding strategies for adapting Olympia’s downtown to rising sea levels.
Staff Contact:
Andy Haub, Water Resources Director, Public Works, 360.753.8475
Presenter(s):
Andy Haub, Water Resources Director, Public Works, 360.753.8475
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia, LOTT Clean Water Alliance and the Port of Olympia (Partners) entered into an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) to begin sea level rise response planning in early 2017. The agreement supports the assessment of potential sea level rise in downtown Olympia. It determined the cost share between the Partners for the initial participation in the sea rise response plan, but not financing for subsequent infrastructure needed to protect downtown from future sea rise.
The City of Olympia expects to make significant investments in infrastructure to adapt to rising sea levels within the next 30 years. Funding decisions will potentially impact residents and other stakeholders. Understanding funding strategies is important at this time.
While still early in the planning process, staff will provide a preliminary overview of sea level rise adaptation costs, likely implementation schedules and potential funding strategies. Staff will share a summary of comments and perspectives received during the recent public workshop and elected officials meeting, as well as responses to the online sea level rise survey. Additional financial information will be developed over the spring and summer of 2018 and shared with elected officials as part of the planning process.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Various community groups and other agencies are engaged in climate change and sea level rise issues. The City of Olympia Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Strategy support development of the plan. Coordination with regional climate mitigation planning is occurring.
Options:
Information only.
Financial Impact:
None at this time. However, potential long-term private and public impacts are appreciable.
Attachments:
None