2019-01-23 Transportation and Infrastructure Minutes

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Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Minutes January 23, 2019 D. Tukwila 205 Levee Certification Phase 2 Draft Report Staff updated the Committee on the Tukwila 205 Levee Certification effort and the Phase 2 Draft Report prepared by Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, Inc. (NHC). The Tukwila 205 Levee is on the left bank of the Green River between South 196th Street and 1-405 and provides flood protection to the Tukwila Urban Center. Levee certification is no longer provide d by the Corps of Engineers and expired in August 2013, so the City hired NHC to perform engineering analysis in accordance with FEMA requirements. The Phase 2 report identifies ten separate segments, approximately 75% of the total, that do not meet federal requirements. NHC has provided conceptual designs that would bring the levee to a 100-year level of protection that would allow it to be certified, although a 500-year level of protection is recommended. The total cost to correct deficiencies is anticipated to exceed $100M and staff is working with the Flood Control District to add these projects to its Capital Improvement list for prioritization with other King County projects. DISCUSSION ONLY. E. Lower Green River Corridor Plan Flood Hazard Management Plan Staff is seeking Committee approval so submit comments to the King County Flood Control District on the Lower Green River Corridor Plan. This Plan aims to provide a long-term approach to reduce flood risk and improve fish habitat while supporting the economic prosperity of the region, and an accompanying Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) will analyze alternatives for flood protection. Staff provided an overview of the proposed comments, which are due on January 28, 2019. In addition, at the January 14, 2019 Committee of the Whole, Councilmember Robertson suggested the Committee consider approving a letter on the draft PEIS requesting efforts be consistent with the Puget Sound Chinook Salmon Recovery Plan. Staff plans to submit this letter separately. COMMITTEE APPROVAL TO SUBMIT COMMENT LETTERS III. SCATBd/RTC Councilmember Hougardy shared copies of the 2019 SCATBd Legislative Agenda at the January 22, 2019 Regular Meeting. IV. MISCELLANEOUS Utility Payment Deferral for Federal Employees Staff briefed the Committee on a plan to offer deferral of residential utility payments to Federal employees on furlough due to the government shutdown. Eligible customers will be able to defer utility payments and accrue no late fees until after the shutdown has ended. Committee members expressed support for the proposal and urged robust community outreach so impacted residents are aware of the deferral. Project Updates Staff provided updates on 42"d Avenue South, 53rd Avenue South, the Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian Bridge, the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, and Tukwila International Boulevard crosswalks near South 140th Street. Committee members asked clarifying questions and made suggestions for community outreach, particularly with regard to the Traffic Calming Program. Staff asked permission to bypass Committee for the construction contract for the TIB crosswalks so that it can be completed quickly. The Committee approved staff taking the contract directly to the February 19, 2019 Regular Meeting.