Title
Approval of a Proposed Letter to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Recommending Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) as the WRIA 13 Salmon Recovery Act granting agency and Letter Requesting TRPC Consider Taking the Lead Role
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the proposed letters to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) recommending Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) as the WRIA 13 Salmon Recovery Act granting agency and a letter requesting that TRPC consider taking the Lead Role
Report
Issue:
Whether the City of Olympia send letters supporting a change in the lead agency role for administering state salmon recovery act funds.
Staff Contact:
Steve Hall City Manager, 360.753.8244
Rich Hoey, Public Works Director, 360.753.8495
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The Thurston County conservation District a has been in a state of turmoil for the past year and a half. A recent investigatory report summarized and criticized actions of the agency, particularly current two board members, that has led to gaps in completing the work of the District.
Because of the chaos, important functions of the District are being neglected.
One of those functions is the evaluation and allocation of salmon recovery funding from the State of Washington for the WYRA 13 watershed area.
Because the District is currently unwilling to assume the lead role, a new entity must step up to avoid losing these valuable grant funds for our area.
Mayor Kmet has been coordinating an interjurisdictional effort to ensure the region does not lose state grant funds for salmon. He reports that the Tumwater City Council has indicated unanimous support for designating TRPC as lead agency.
In addition, Mayor Kmet has spoken with Jeff Dickison who indicated he would ask the Tribal Council to support designating TRPC as lead agency. He believes they will support this change.
In addition, Marc Daily, Executive Director at TRPC is willing to assume lead agency status for WRIA 13. He indicated he needs final authorization from his Board. He needs a letter from one or more TRPC members indicating they would like TRPC to assume this role. He acknowledged they will need to hire someone with expertise in this area but believes that is doable.
Finally, at a recent meeting of the Thurston County Board of Commissioners, the Commissioners' indicated support for designating TRPC as lead agency.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Numerous groups and individuals in Olympia support salmon restoration work.
Options:
1. Accept the recommendation
2. Reject the recommendation
3. Consider other sources of funding
Financial Impact:
Moving the funds to TRPC would ensure that nearly $800,000 in State funds are preserved for salmon recovery grants in this region.
Attachments:
Draft letter to Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
Draft letter to Thurston Regional Planning Council