It’s summer, the sun’s out – so millions of families in Washington are heading to their favorite beaches.
Our state is blessed with miles and miles of coastline, and it takes money to keep our beaches healthy and accessible to the millions of people trying to enjoy them.
Through a partnership between the state (Fish and Wildlife) and local governments, we’re putting $12 million towards improving and restoring beaches in the Puget Sound.
The KOMO 4 TV story is here: Beachgoers to benefit from massive shoreline project
Here’s a bit about the projects, according to a release from Fish and Wildlife:
Betsy Lyons, who manages WDFW’s Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP), said most projects funded this year involve removing unnecessary bulkheads, correcting barriers to salmon passage and restoring tidal functions altered by land-use practices over the past century.
“More than a quarter of Puget Sound’s 2,500-mile shoreline is currently lined with bulkheads or other types of shoreline structures,” Lyons said. “These restoration projects will play an important role in advancing salmon recovery and ensuring our natural areas are healthy and productive.”
With tourism playing an increasing role in the economies of many small communities, these efforts will help create jobs.
The 20 restoration projects funded this year include $1.2 million for Discovery Bay in Jefferson County, $260,000 for Thatcher Bay in San Juan County and $2 million for Smith Island in Snohomish County.
You can get details about all 20 projects by reading the full release from Fish and Wildlife