Title
Approval of a Resolution Supporting State and Federal Funding to Implement the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution supporting state and federal funding to implement the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Resolution supporting state and federal funding to implement the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project is an opportunity to restore the Deschutes Estuary, improve the health of Budd Inlet and the Deschutes River watershed, and address long-standing water quality, habitat, sediment, and public access challenges associated with the existing Capitol Lake Basin.
The Washington Department of Ecology assumed responsibility for the Project’s planning process in 2025, pursuant to direction from the Washington State Legislature. The State, acting through Ecology, is responsible for leading, funding, managing, and administering Project planning, design, permitting, restoration, and construction.
The City of Olympia and other regional partners, including the Squaxin Island Tribe, City of Tumwater, Thurston County, and Port of Olympia, have demonstrated their commitment to the Project through the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Interlocal Agreement. The Project also involves continued partnership and collaboration with the State and the community. The Interlocal Agreement establishes roles and responsibilities for long-term sediment management, governance, funding, coordination, asset transfer, and operations and maintenance.
The proposed Resolution demonstrates the City’s continued support for implementation of the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project and urges state and federal investment needed to advance construction.
The Resolution recognizes the Department of Ecology as the lead public agency responsible for Project implementation and supports pursuing federal funding to supplement state funding. It also reaffirms the City’s existing commitments under the Interlocal Agreement. The Resolution is focused on securing funding and advancing the Estuary Project and does not amend the existing Interlocal Agreement.
Climate Analysis:
Restoring the Deschutes Estuary offers several climate and environmental benefits including carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, sea level rise mitigation, water quality improvement, biodiversity and habitat restoration and resilience to ocean acidification. Overall, restoring the Deschutes Estuary could contribute to regional climate resilience and provide ecosystem services that help buffer against the adverse effects of climate change and sea level rise.
Equity Analysis:
For the Squaxin Island tribe, the Deschutes Estuary has been a critical area for millennia. The Estuary, historically a place for fishing, hunting, and gathering formed the foundation of tribal livelihoods. Also, as a place of cultural and spiritual significance, the restoration of the Deschutes Estuary represents both a physical and cultural reclamation of tribal cultural heritage.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Olympia and the surrounding community cares about environmental health and water quality in Budd Inlet and local waterways. The restoration of the Deschutes Estuary has been an important issue locally for many years with the restoration project supported by community members and local jurisdictions.
Financial Impact:
Adoption of the resolution does not authorize a new expenditure of funds. The resolution reaffirms the City’s existing commitments under the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Interlocal Agreement, including long-term sediment management and other applicable responsibilities. Any future City financial obligations related to the Project would be addressed through the City’s regular budget and decision-making processes.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution supporting state and federal funding to implement the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project.
2. Do not approve the Resolution supporting state and federal funding to implement the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution