Title
Approval of Interlocal Agreement with Port of Olympia for West Bay Environmental Restoration Assessment
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement with the Port of Olympia for the West Bay Environmental Restoration Assessment.
Report
Issue:
Whether to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the Port of Olympia for joint development of an Environmental Restoration Assessment for West Bay. The Port Board of Commissioners approved the Interlocal Agreement at its meeting on February 24, 2014.
Staff Contact:
Rich Hoey, P.E., Director, Public Works Department, 360.753.8495
David Hanna, Associate Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation Department, 360.753.8020
Presenter(s):
Rich Hoey, P.E., Director, Public Works Department
Background and Analysis:
Through its work on the Shoreline Master Program, West Bay Park master planning, and other efforts, City staff identified the need for a comprehensive assessment of environmental restoration opportunities along the west shore of West Bay in Olympia. This science-based assessment would support the development of a water quality and habitat restoration strategy for West Bay.
Early on, City staff identified that the Port of Olympia, a key property owner of West Bay shoreline, would be an important partner in the assessment. Port staff agreed that this assessment would be mutually beneficial. In prioritizing potential restoration projects, the assessment would inform capital facilities planning by the City and Port, as well as other public entities. In addition, the assessment could be used for project mitigation planning by the City, Port and other public or private entities proposing projects along the shoreline of West Bay or elsewhere in Budd Inlet.
Following discussions with the Squaxin Island Tribe, City and Port staff identified three main components needed as part of the West Bay Environmental Restoration Assessment:
1. Shoreline Restoration Assessment
This includes an assessment of current and potential future ecological functions provided in the nearshore environment of western West Bay. The assessment will focus on the marine shoreline environment from the 4th Avenue Bridge north to the City limits. The assessment will primarily focus on government owned property (City, County, Port, State, Tribal), but may be expanded to include private properties where possible. The assessment will build on the Budd Inlet Landscape Analysis completed by the Squaxin Island Tribe in 2010.
2. Stormwater Basin Analysis
This analysis includes an evaluation of stormwater treatment in the upland areas draining to West Bay. The analysis will result in a prioritized list of upland stormwater treatment needs, and include a methodology to establish the relative value of upland stormwater retrofits compared to nearshore habitat restoration actions.
3. Lagoon Area Alternatives Analysis
Building on the Shoreline Restoration Assessment outlined above, a more detailed review of the "Lagoon Area" adjacent to 4th Avenue Bridge will be conducted. The analysis will support the West Bay Park Master Planning efforts and include an analysis of ecological processes and habitats under four alternative configurations:
· Current lagoon configuration with trail added on existing berm
· Partial berm removal with new trail added on remaining berm and new overwater sections
· Complete berm removal with new trail added on an overwater structure
· Complete berm removal and no overwater trail
Each alternative will be assessed under current conditions, as well as potential future scenarios of sea level rise and Deschutes River estuary restoration.
The three assessment elements outlined above will be used to produce a recommended progression of priority restoration actions for the West Bay study area.
If the Interlocal Agreement (attached) is approved, the City and Port will move forward within the next few months to retain the services of a consultant(s) to complete the West Bay Environmental Restoration Assessment. Staff expects the assessment to be complete in late 2014 or early 2015. The Squaxin Island Tribe has expressed interest in coordinating with the City and the Port on the project.
The Port Board of Commissioners approved the Interlocal Agreement at its meeting on February 24, 2014.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is a high degree of public interest in the redevelopment of the West Bay shoreline, including opportunities for environmental restoration, economic development and improved recreational opportunities.
Options:
1. Approve the Interlocal Agreement.
2. Pursue work on an environmental restoration assessment independent of the Port.
3. Do not pursue the environmental restoration assessment.
Financial Impact:
Under the agreement, the City will pay two-thirds and the Port will pay one-third of the costs for consultant services. Total costs for such services are not to exceed one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). The City's share of costs ($100,000) will be split equally between Parks funding and the Storm and Surface Water Utility.