Lacey, WA – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland announced $1,000,000 in federal funding for the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) to help restore 260 acres of estuary habitat at the Deschutes River.
“Preserving natural habitats is essential to the South Sound,” said Strickland. “This funding is crucial for flood protection, will help maintain biodiversity, and protect our local ecosystems in the South Sound.”
“These funds will help us strengthen climate resilience in the heart of the Washington state capitol. A habitat berm will be designed to provide flood protection in alignment with the sea-level rise response plan developed by our capitol city, Olympia. Without action, flooding into downtown areas will become more frequent and severe in the future. The habitat berm will be designed to hold back floodwaters in a primary flooding pathway. It will also increase needed habitat and is part of the larger project to restore the 260-acre Deschutes Estuary in South Puget Sound,” said Tara D. Smith, DES Director.
This funding will specifically help fund a habitat berm along the shoreline of Heritage Park, part of the state Capitol Campus, and a primary flooding pathway into Olympia during storm events. Once complete, the berm will be able to contain up to 3 feet of sea level rise, with the potential for more protection and adaptation measures in the future.
The Deschutes Estuary Project in Olympia will enhance natural habitats, improve climate resilience, and reduce natural disaster risk in nearby communities. Read more about the project here.
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