Title
Update on Sea Level Rise Planning in Olympia
Recommended Action
Information only. No action required.
Report
Issue:
Receive briefing on sea level rise planning work initiated by the City of Olympia, the Port of Olympia and LOTT Clean Water Alliance.
Staff Contact:
Eric Christensen, Engineering and Planning Supervisor, Public Works/Water Resources, 360.570.3741
Presenter(s):
Eric Christensen
Background and Analysis:
Project Background
Sea level rise presents a prominent flooding risk to our downtown. Largely built on sediments excavated from Budd Inlet up to 100 years ago, the downtown area has always been vulnerable to flooding. City staff currently manage and control, sometimes just barely, the flooding risk during high tides and high flows in the Deschutes River.
The City began work on climate change and sea rise in the early 1990s. Over the years, we have accumulated extensive data on the elevations of critical downtown infrastructure, buildings, and shorelines relative to potential water elevations in Budd Inlet. This information provides a sound basis for meaningful long-term planning.
Consistent with the goals and policies of the City of Olympia Comprehensive Plan and the Downtown Strategy, staff initiated work on a formal sea level rise response plan in early 2017. The City, the Port of Olympia and LOTT Clean water Alliance are jointly funding and participating in the planning process. A consulting firm, AECOM Technical Services, has been hired to help lead the planning effort. The three entities share common concerns regarding sea level rise, yet have unique individual vulnerabilities.
To address sea level rise, we are focusing on how to raise our shorelines using land under public control, such as parks and street right-of-way. Because timing for implementation of the strategies will be based on flooding risks, efforts will be focused initially on the shorelines of Capitol Lake, and West Bay (Percival Landing), followed by the Por...
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