Title
Update on 2023 Sea Level Rise Collaborative Workplan
Recommended Action
Briefing only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Update and discussion on the 2023 Sea Level Rise Collaborative workplan.
Staff Contact:
Pamela Braff, PhD, Director of Climate Programs, 360.753.8249
Presenter(s):
Susan Clark, City of Olympia
Rich Hoey, City of Olympia
Wendy Steffensen, LOTT Clean Water Alliance
Shawn Gilbertson, Port of Olympia
Background and Analysis:
The 2023 workplan for the Olympia Sea Level Rise Response Collaboratives included four work items:
* Tide Gauge Installation - Install a tide gauge at the port marine terminal to improve monitoring of local water level conditions.
* Land Subsidence Survey - Perform a satellite land subsidence survey to improve our understanding of local subsidence rates.
* Groundwater Study - Conduct a groundwater study to evaluate tidal influence and the potential impact of sea level rise on groundwater levels.
* Financing and Governance Evaluation - Evaluate potential financing and governance mechanisms to fund and implement the Sea Level Rise Response Plan.
Staff will provide an update on the 2023 workplan items.
Climate Analysis:
The items included in the 2023 collaborative workplan will not directly impact Olympia's climate mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, other ongoing work focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions will help slow the rate and severity of sea level rise and related flooding in downtown Olympia.
Equity Analysis:
The 2023 workplan items will provide additional data and guidance on how to fund and implement sea level rise response strategies. When appropriate, staff will consider how data collection and analysis for these work items can be designed to improve our understanding of who may be benefited and who will be impacted by future projects and funding.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is considerable community interest in sea level rise ...
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