Title
Climate Change/Sea Level Rise Planning
Report
UAC Deliverable:
Briefing only
Staff Contact:
Eric Christensen, Water Resources Engineering and Planning Manager, 360.570.3741
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia acknowledges the risk of sea level rise and has concerns for its potential to increase downtown flooding. Built on low-lying fill, our downtown has a long history of flooding. In recent years, several construction projects and better operations have reduced flooding.
The City first addressed the risks of sea rise in 1991. Since 2007, staff has completed annual work plans that improve our information and construct minor flood prevention improvements. While it remains difficult to predict the level or timing of sea rise, our understanding of Olympia-specific implications is increasing.
The Olympia Comprehensive Plan goals and policies provide specific guidance on our response to sea rise (See attachment 1).
During the briefing, staff will make a presentation very similar to what was presented to City Council on February 9, 2016. A copy of that presentation can be found on the City’s website (see hyperlink).
The briefing will provide an update on global and local sea level rise trends and explain the implications to downtown. Staff will share a proposal to increase our community discussions about sea rise and to develop a response plan. The plan would address the long-term needs to protect downtown.
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
The City allocates $150,000 bi-annually through the Storm and Surface Water Utility for downtown flooding and sea rise planning work efforts