Council Approves Plan to Protect Salmon Habitat

September 18, 2003

Council Approves Plan to Protect Salmon Habitat
Green River to Benefit from Agreement between County, Tacoma

The Metropolitan King County Council today approved a salmon habitat restoration plan for Auburn Narrows Park as part of a process to implement a 1993 agreement allowing Tacoma to build a second water pipeline from the Green River in south King County.

“In addition to a long-term investment for water availability benefiting the residents of Tacoma and South King County, the project will provide vital improvements for salmon habitat,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “It took some time, but the result is a plan that will enhance the environment while meeting the needs of Tacoma’s growing population.”

The 1993 Comprehensive Mitigation Plan allows for construction of the water pipeline in exchange for conditions that include erosion and sediment control, wetlands restoration and habitat enhancement. It also includes a $2.5 million Environmental Resource Fund, administered by King County with revenues from Tacoma, to support habitat enhancement and recreation in the Green River Basin.

The legislation authorizes the executive to enter into an interlocal agreement with Tacoma Public Utilities to implement wetlands mitigation and fisheries habitat restoration projects at Auburn Narrows Park. It also authorizes the granting of a wetland protection easement over a 21.88-acre portion of Narrows Park. King County will receive $540,000 from the Environmental Resource Fund to support the habitat restoration portion of the project. Tacoma will make an additional payment of $230,000 to replace recreation land affected by the wetland protection easement.

“Those who use Auburn Narrows Park will see the benefits from the enhancements that are part of this agreement,” said Natural Resources, Parks and Open Space Committee Chair Carolyn Edmonds. “This section of the Green River has been identified as a high priority for habitat protection and restoration, and this is a great location for cooperative mitigation and restoration efforts.”

“An important benefit of this plan is the long-term monitoring that will ensure the wetland mitigation is working,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, chair of the Utilities Committee. “Wetlands are critical for not only wildlife habitat, but also for groundwater protection. This plan protects and enhances the habitat along the Green River, which will help salmon thrive.”

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system and type in “2003-0417.2” and “2003-0385”