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<< Back E-mail Update – January 23, 2003 – Volume 3, Number 2 Briefing With New Wa Legislators: Coalition members recently met with newly elected and newly appointed WA Legislators: Rep. Deb Wallace, District 17; Rep. Ed Orcutt, District 18; and Rep. Jim Moeller, District 49. Members provided legislators with a full understanding on the economic importance of Columbia River maritime commerce and the Channel Deepening project. At the conclusion of the meeting, all three legislators voiced their support for the economically viable and environmentally sound plans to deepen the Columbia River navigation channel. Final Channel Deepening Public Hearings: Thanks goes out to the many individuals who participated in the final Channel Deepening public hearings recently held in Astoria and Portland. Once again Coalition members demonstrated the strong broad-based support for the project by participating in yet another environmental approval process. Oregon’s Departments of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Land Conservation & Development (DLCD) and Washington’s Department of Ecology (DOE) will review the Corps’ applications for 401 Water Quality Certification and Coastal Zone Management Consistency permits, all public testimony and formal written comments submitted. The Coalition anticipates that DEQ, DLCD and DOE will provide permit determinations in February 2003. These permits are the final environmental approvals required to keep this project moving forward. Martin Island Slough Ecosystem Restoration Proposal: Many individuals who attended the Portland public hearing voiced concern over the Martin Island Slough mitigation proposal. The proposal has been modified to permit some habitat mitigation (16 acres) and leave the remaining 16 acres for continued recreational access and use. This was a compromise that was reached between the state, the Corps, and Cowlitz County. Also, no land disposal is proposed on Martin Island. Shortly, the Corps will release their Final SEIS, which will address those concerns and include the complete and final proposal for Channel Deepening and Ecosystem Restoration. Olympia Channel Day: Please join other key leaders to express your support for Columbia River maritime commerce and deepening the channel. This is your chance to meet with legislative leaders and your own state legislators to better inform them of the importance of the Columbia River:
If you haven't already done so, RSVP by January 31st. Please contact Theeme Holznagel or call 503-285-6343.
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