The Sea Level Rise Response Collaborative Executive Committee is going review its new five-year strategy for protecting downtown Olympia from rising sea levels.
The committee will address the proposed 2026-2030 work plan at a meeting on Friday, Sept. 5. The strategy builds on the 2019 Sea Level Rise Response Plan and the current five-year plan adopted in 2021, focusing on adapting to up to 6 inches of sea level increase.
The new plan aims to implement mid-term measures protecting against up to 2 feet of sea level rise by 2050.
Climate Resilience Coordinator Natalie Weiss will present the plan to the executive committee.
A staff report outlines potential projects to be carried out collaboratively and independently by the City of Olympia, the Port of Olympia, and LOTT Clean Water Alliance.
Projects involving shared research, analysis and strategy development would be funded and implemented through the committee, while larger capital projects, such as levee or infrastructure improvements, would be managed and funded by the individual member agencies.
While implementation would require additional investment from all partners, specific costs have not yet been determined. Shared project expenses would go through the committee's biennial budget process, while individual members would handle capital project costs through regular budget procedures.
The city noted there is “considerable community interest” in sea level rise planning and implementation of flood protection measures.
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Southsoundguy
More grift.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Report this
KatAshe
Would it not be better to plan for a 5 foot rise in sea level, rather than have to revise upward later?
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Report this
CobraCommander
Hey SouthSoundGuy, even the Department of Defense acknowledges it's happening:
https://www.cisa.gov/topics/critical-infrastructure-security-and-resilience/extreme-weather/sea-level-rise
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Report this
CobraCommander
Department of Defense Climate Adaptation Plan 2024–2027
https://www.sustainability.gov/pdfs/dod-2024-cap.pdf
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Report this
Claire
Climate change and sel level rise...what a bunch of crap. We can't stop it, if it is happening. So?
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Report this
HappyOlympian
Of all the fluffy things Oly and county government focus on, this seems to be one issue to be very critical to our community. Curious why more and more construction and expansion pursued where flooding likely to occur. The expansion of the Children's Museum being a prime example of an expensive, fluffy focus that makes no sense considering the problems we face.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Report this
CobraCommander
Hey Claire:
You said "We can't stop it, if it is happening. So?"
We can prepare our communities for the eventuality. Hence the article.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Report this
Southsoundguy
More consultants suckling off tax payer teat.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Report this
Boatyarddog
@SSGUY.. MEANINGLESS TROLLING YOU ARE Clearly an Idiot that can't get out of you own way.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Report this
JohnFronono
Do you suppose he has a list of anti-government cliches that he cycles through? Is it in order, or just pick at random?
“Oh shoot, I already used ‘your tax dollars at work’ this week!”
Thursday, September 4, 2025 Report this