Green/Duwamish Ecosystem Restoration Project (ERP) Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 9

The Green/Duwamish Ecosystem Restoration Project (ERP) is an integral part of salmon habitat protection and restoration efforts in the entire Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed (WRIA 9).

The ERP was the culmination of a cooperative effort by 16 local governments, Indian Tribes, the State of Washington, NOAA Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and many other organizations and private citizens.

This effort produced a list of 45 projects that -- when implemented -- will help restore the health of the watershed for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and the people who call it home.

In the Water Resources Development Act of 2000, the U.S. Congress authorized a $113 million effort to carry out the ERP. Part of this amount will come from Congress and part from the local partners. Currently, local governments and other stakeholders are working with the Army Corps of Engineers to prepare construction documents and finalize the real estate acquisitions for high priority restoration sties throughout the watershed. In 2003, Congress appropriated $500,000 for initial construction. Construction began in 2005. If Congress continues to appropriate funds, construction of all 45 projects is expected to take 10 years.

Additional information on the ERP and studies that led up to it:

• Ecosystem Restoration Project handout and map of project sites (updated February 2004) (Adobe Acrobat 1.3 MB)
         
• February 20, 2004 News Release on Federal Funds
   
• Army Corps of Engineers page for the Green/Duwamish Ecosystem Restoration Project (external link)
     
• Ecosystem Restoration Study brochure (Adobe Acrobat)
     
• Green/Duwamish Restoration Programmatic Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Restoration Plan
  

ERP Project Committee

An ERP Project Committee is assisting in carrying out this project. It includes staff from the Army Corps of Engineers, King County, and participating cities in the Green/Duwamish watershed including Auburn, Kent, Renton, and Tukwila.

The public is welcome to attend committee meetings. Meeting information is available on the meeting schedule.

For further information on the ERP Project Management Committee, including confirmation of meeting dates, times, and locations, please contact Karen Bergeron, 206-296-8383.