TIS 2021-07-12 Item 2B - Resolution - Ratify 2021 Update to Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed (WRIA 9) Salmon Habitat Plan

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10 Acta Ekber, M ayor 1b uhllc 1°l� p o nekarrl/ Mda l r/City coot INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee FROM: Had Ponnekanti, Public Works Director/City Engineer BY: Mike Perfetti, Habitat Project Manager CC: Mayor Ekberg DATE: July 9, 2021 SUBJECT: Surface Water Fund — WRIA 9 Watershed Planning 2021-2026 Project No. 91641205 Resolution to Adopt the WRIA 9 2021 Update to the Salmon Habitat Plan ISSUE Authorize a resolution ratifying the 2021 Update to the Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed (WRIA 9) Salmon Habitat Plan: Making Our Watershed Fit for A King. BACKGROUND In 2004, The City of Tukwila entered an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with 15 other watershed jurisdictions. The WRIA 9 ILA was established to draft a habitat recovery plan to guide local jurisdictions in the recovery of threatened Puget Sound Chinook salmon. The initial plan was adopted by the City of Tukwila via Resolution 1595 in 2005. Since then, the City has been working to implement the plan, including the completion of the Duwamish Gardens Habitat Restoration Project, and is in the midst of construction for the Riverton Creek Flapgate Removal Project. Two other projects identified in the original habitat plan — Gilliam Creek Fish Barrier Removal Project and the Nesen Side Channel project - are in the planning and design stages. These projects not only help to recover struggling salmon and other fish species, but provide public open space, water access, recreational and educational benefits to Tukwila residents. DISCUSSION The Salmon Habitat Plan Update represents the next chapter of salmon recovery efforts in watershed. It provides a science - based framework for identifying, prioritizing, and implementing salmon recovery actions over the next 10-15 years. The Plan Update integrates over a decade of new science and monitoring; provides updated habitat goals; outlines refined recovery strategies and embedded policies and programs; updates the capital projects list; and outlines a monitoring and adaptive framework for tracking implementation and making strategic adjustments. The plan does not obligate jurisdictions to complete any particular project or program, but rather is intended as a guidance document for use in habitat restoration efforts and in relevant City policy and code updates. FISCAL IMPACT None. RECOMMENDATION The Committee is asked to make a recommendation on the draft resolution for discussion at the July 26, 2021, Committee of the Whole Meeting. Attachment: Draft Resolution Resolution 1595 https://tukwilawa.sharepoint.com/sites/publicworks/engineering/PW Drop Box/01 TIC Agenda/2021 Agenda Items/TIC 07-12-21/a. WRIA 9 Salmon Habitat Plan 2021 Update/Info Memo_VVRIA 9 Habitat Plan Resolution Adoption_20210709.docx 1