Title
Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Interlocal Agreement Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing regarding the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Interlocal Agreement between the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services, the Squaxin Island Tribe, Thurston County, the City of Olympia, the City of Tumwater, the Port of Olympia, and the LOTT Clean Water Alliance to address shared responsibilities for long-term sediment management in a restored Deschutes Estuary.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing regarding the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project Interlocal Agreement between the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) the Squaxin Island Tribe, Thurston County, the City of Olympia, the City of Tumwater, the Port of Olympia, and the LOTT Clean Water Alliance to address shared responsibilities for long-term sediment management in a restored Deschutes Estuary.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, City Manager, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
Anne Larson, Special Assistant to the Director, Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
Background and Analysis:
The body of water known as Capitol Lake in downtown Olympia was constructed between 1949 - 1951 by the State of Washington to create a reflecting pool for the Washington State Capitol Campus. The area was originally the southern portion of the Deschutes Estuary, where freshwater from the Deschutes River and Percival Creek mixed with saltwater from Budd Inlet over tidal flats.
In 2018, the Department of Enterprise Services engaged in a process to evaluate the long-term management of this body of water. Through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process technical analyses, benefits and cost of alternatives, feedback from key stakeholders, and public comment were considered. In 2022, the final EIS identified the Estuary Alternative as the preferred long-term plan.
Th...
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