Title
Sea Level Rise Response Planning
Recommended Action
Recommend Chair Haffner-Ratliffe write a letter to City Council on behalf of the Utility Advisory Committee supporting the approval of the Draft Sea Level Rise Response Plan.
Report
Issue:
Provide committee comment on and support for the Draft Sea Level Rise Response Plan developed by the City of Olympia (City), the Port of Olympia (Port), LOTT Clean Water Alliance (LOTT) and the consulting firm AECOM Technical Services Inc.
Previous Sea Rise Items Before the UAC:
City Council has designated the Utility Advisory Committee as the key citizen-appointed committee for reviewing the City's elements of our draft sea level rise response plan. Staff briefed the UAC on sea rise issues, the planning approach, downtown's flooding vulnerabilities and risks and the potential adaptation strategies to protect downtown over the past year and a half.
Staff Contact:
Andy Haub, Water Resources Director, 360.570.3795
Presenters:
Andy Haub, Water Resources Director, 360.570.3795
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, 360.573.8321
Background and Analysis:
In early 2017, the City, the Port and LOTT entered into an Interlocal Agreement to jointly fund and participate in a formal sea level rise planning process for downtown Olympia and the Port peninsula. The City, Port and LOTT share common concerns regarding sea level rise, yet have unique individual vulnerabilities. A consulting firm, AECOM Technical Services, is assisting with the planning effort.
Project Tasks
The tasks completed by AECOM and the City, Port and LOTT for this project include:
* An evaluation of the best available science regarding potential sea rise.
* A sea level rise planning framework incorporating community input.
* A vulnerability and risk assessment of downtown assets.
* Specific physical and non-physical adaptation strategies for protecting downtown to year 2100.
* A response plan including governance needs, implementation schedules, and financi...
Click here for full text