PORT OF SEATTLE
MEMORANDUM
COMMISSION AGENDA Item No.
6a
Date of Meeting
July 7, 2009
DATE: June 19, 2009
TO: Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer
FROM: Eric Hanson, Manager, Seaport Planning
Joseph Gellings, Seaport Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Motion for approval of the Lower Duwamish River Habitat Restoration Plan
ACTION REQUESTED
It is requested that the Commission approve the January 13
th
2009 Lower Duwamish River
Habitat Restoration Plan with one amendment. The sole staff-recommended amendment is to
eliminate the Plan’s designation of a habitat project fronting on the properties of 523 and 582
South Riverside Drive. By approving the Plan, the Commission will be setting a policy to
designate the Plan’s 31 sites as future habitat restoration areas.
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
The Lower Duwamish River Habitat Restoration Plan (Plan) identifies potential locations for
future fish and wildlife habitat restoration in Port-owned aquatic areas and shorelines in the
Duwamish Waterway. The Plan demonstrates that restoration actions can take place without
constraining marine industrial uses and activities, including navigational access by maritime
businesses.
Emphasis on fish and wildlife habitat restoration throughout Puget Sound, including urban
industrial locations, is expected to increase in the coming years. An approved inventory of Port
owned sites in the Duwamish Waterway with the potential for habitat restoration is appropriate at
this time and anticipates the Port’s future needs. Port staff submits that approval of this Plan will
aid orderly decision-making and implementation of future restoration projects and provide a
framework for coordinated habitat improvements.
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTION
On May 5, 2009, Port staff presented a briefing for the Lower Duwamish River Habitat
Restoration Plan. The Plan’s purpose, study area, outreach program and content were discussed
and several citizens provided testimony.
