DESCRIPTION
In 2019-2024, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) utilized State and Local grant funds to restore approximately 16 acres of riparian and aquatic habitat for Chinook and other salmon on the Upper Royal Arch Reach. In 1Q 2025 we are completing acquisition of the 20 acre parcel (Sherry Property) located contiguous to that project downstream, again with the support of King County grant funds. SPU intends to assess, design, and construct a similar next phase project on this newly acquired parcel beginning later in 2025.
The acquisition of the Sherry property leaves approximately $400,000 of prior awarded grant funds available for funding design of restoration plans there. The intent of this grant application to be pursued from both WRIA#8 SRFB and CWM funds is to close the remaining funding need for another $500,000 to provide full funding for alternatives analysis, design, permitting, and technical support for the next phase floodplain restoration project.
This project executes design and permitting for floodplain reconnection and salmon habitat restoration in the Upper Royal Arch Reach of the lower Cedar River, with the goal of restoring impaired riverine processes that benefit Chinook. When constructed, Phase 2 will restore approximately 15 acres of a 20 acre parcel that Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will acquire in Q2 2025 and that was funded in part by a prior RCO grant. The SPU Cedar River HCP Downstream Habitat Program has to date acquired 30 acres within this 70-acre river reach. This subject property is immediately contiguous downstream of the 2023-completed Upper Royal Arch Reach Floodplain Restoration Project (Phase 1), which added more than 2000 feet of new side channel and more than 650 pieces of large wood. The Phase 1 project has a total restored area of almost 12 acres of new aquatic and riparian habitats, including three acres of new emergent wetland, as well as shoreline habitat improvements on the main stem Cedar River. Like the Phase 1 project, Phase 2 will target both off-channel and main stem channel habitat improvements, including at least: - 11 acres total restored aquatic and riparian habitat area; - 1300 linear feet of new side channel habitat; - 2 acres new emergent wetland and aquatically connected habitat - 600 pieces of large wood installation Through this project, SPU is requesting funding to support preliminary through final restoration design, permitting, and cultural resources review.
