Thurston County has received a $250,000 grant from the Washington state Department of Commerce to support long-range planning for salmon recovery efforts.
The funds, announced Tuesday, are part of approximately $1.2 million the Commerce Department awarded to four local governments and one tribe. The grants are funded through the state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Puget Sound funds.
“We all play a role in protecting and restoring Washington’s iconic salmon. I’m glad we can put Climate Commitment Act funding to work in these communities to support the planning and coordination of these urgent conservation efforts,” Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement.
According to the Commerce Department, 14 population groups of steelhead trout and Chinook, coho, chum and sockeye salmon in Washington are threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
According to the Commerce Department, the CCA appropriates $153 million for salmon recovery projects in the state’s 2023-2025 budgets.
“The protection of our natural resources, particularly salmon habitat, is vital not only for our environment but for the long-term sustainability of our communities,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong.
“This funding empowers local governments and tribes to create and implement comprehensive plans that will ensure the health of our ecosystems while meeting the needs of our growing population.”
In addition to Thurston County, the City of Everett will receive $250,000, the City of Ilwaco will receive $212,500, the City of Lake Stevens will receive $247,339 and the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe will receive $230,011.
“With this grant, the city aims to develop a basin-level watershed plan that will use scientific data to influence future planning efforts both locally and among our neighboring jurisdictions, with overall goals to improve water quality, protect salmon runs connected to our lake, and improve open space habitat for all members of the community,” said Olin Anderson, surface water coordinator for the City of Lake Stevens.
