Date:
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Contact:
Stacy Trussler, I-405 Deputy Project Director, (425) 456-8563
Amy Danberg, I-405 Public Information, (425) 456-8624
RENTON – WSDOT and the City of Renton have launched an innovative partnership to re-establish and enhance over 130 acres of wetlands in the Renton area to address the effects of development with in the City of Renton and I-405 expansion. The Springbrook Creek Wetland & Habitat Mitigation Bank Project, the first of its kind in Washington, will re-connect floodplain wetlands with Springbrook Creek, re-establish wetlands, and may improve water quality, hydrologic, floodplain, habitat, and riparian functions in a highly urbanized area. The project also includes construction of a boardwalk trail with interpretive educational signs – allowing the community to learn from the site as well as enjoy it.
The City of Renton and WSDOT will be hosting a project kick-off event on December 7, 2006 from 1:30 – 3:30 pm to symbolize the beginning of the project. The event will be held at the Springbrook Bank project site on SW 27th Street across from Trojan Lithograph. WSDOT Environmental Services Director, Megan White, Deputy Regional Administrator for Urban Corridors, Craig Stone and Renton Mayor Keolker will start the project by planting native shrubs with a 4th grade class from Talbot Hill Elementary.
“Springbrook Bank is the first project of its kind in Washington State and the first such partnership between a state agency and a local government,” remarked Megan White, the Environmental Services Director at WSDOT. “This bank will allow important WSDOT transportation projects to effectively and efficiently protect the environment.”
Springbrook Creek Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank will increase our wetlands, protect and improve local habitat and promote environmental education opportunities,” said Renton Mayor Kathy Keolker. “This partnership with WSDOT is a great example of how local governments, the state and federal agencies can work together to better serve the public, local businesses and the environment.”
Construction of Springbrook Bank is expected to begin in Spring 2007. Reaching this goal has been a two-year process of planning and designing the project; coordinating with regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington Department of Ecology, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and negotiating numerous agreements required to formalize this project. The final agreements have been signed, the project permits have been obtained, and the construction contract has been advertised for bids.
###
Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
< Back to News Home