BRINNON — A feasibility study is underway on an estimated $58.4 million project to restore portions of the Duckabush River and minimize flooding.
Jefferson County commissioners heard on Monday a presentation by Seth Elsen, a representative of the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, about a proposal to remove the current U.S. Highway 101 causeway and construct a new 1,100 foot bridge farther upstream from the current highway that would be less susceptible to flooding.
The project — which would be in a 38-acre area — would include the realignment of Duckabush Road to connect with the new bridge.
Removal of berms would restore channel migration and improve the salmon habitat, Elsen said.
“Taking care of the river channel would alleviate a great deal of flooding that occurs every year,” said Commissioner Kathleen Kler, whose district encompasses the area.
“The bridge also needs major work, but the cost of rerouting traffic will be significant.”
Since the project is in the early planning stage, an accurate cost cannot be determined, Elsen said, although he estimated it at $58.4 million.
The proposal would not be a county project. The presentation represented a courtesy call to inform the county of the plans, County Administrator Philip Morley said.
The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group is working with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a feasibility study, Elsen said.
It began this spring with an identification of key stakeholders, conducting interviews and creating materials that address their concerns about the process.
The study, which Elsen said will cost about $100,000, is scheduled for completion in summer 2017.
After that, a decision will be made on whether to proceed with the project.
Outreach would include shellfish stakeholders to determine shellfish ownership and resources within the estuary, according to the presentation.
The source of funds for the proposal has yet to be determined, Elsen said.
Brinnon resident Joy Baisch said the study and the project were overpriced and unnecessary.
“They are looking for $58 million to reclaim just 30 acres of land,” she said.
“Are they kidding? Where are they going to find that money?”
Baisch predicted the project would gather opposition from tribes and the federal highway department, which could resist the idea to move the road.
Elsen said the details are yet to come.
“We will be working with the state to find potential funding for this,” he said.
“Right now we are gathering input. There is no hurry to get this done.”
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
