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 con...
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