Thurston County okays Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project interlocal agreement 

After a delay for review, Thurston County's Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project interlocal agreement (ILA) at a meeting on Tuesday, October 29. 

Commissioners Carolina Mejia, Tye Menser, and Emily Clouse supported the motion to approve the ILA, while Commissioner Gary Edwards opposed it, and Commissioner Wayne Fournier was absent. 

"The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) is undertaking a monumental estuary restoration project in the heart of Washington state capital," said County Manager Leonard Hernandez. 

The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project aims to restore 260 acres of salt marsh habitat in South Puget Sound.   

"An interlocal agreement (ILA) is proposed to address shared responsibilities for long-term sediment management in the restored estuary," said Hernandez. "The ILA outlines the financial commitment with payments beginning in 2027. Payments will be escalated at 4.5% this year. Dredging will be done once the criteria for the dredge event is met, and only when it is determined that it is necessary to prevent significant adverse impacts to the surrounding marines." 

The parties in the ILA include DES on behalf of Washington State, the Squaxin Island Tribe, the LOTT Clean Water Alliance, the Port of Olympia, and the cities of Olympia and Tumwater. 

Thurston County was supposed to adopt the ILA during its October 15 meeting but removed it from the agenda. The cities of Tumwater and Olympia have approved the ILA beforehand. 

DES last met with the BoCC on September 30 to discuss the ILA and project details thoroughly before the ILA was presented for intended approval in the October 15 meeting. 

Commissioner's reasons 

Mejia, who supported passing the ILA even during the prior meeting, stated that it is good for the environment and tourism. 

"The environmental health of the whole county is our responsibility. With this ILA, we would achieve our goals of environmental restoration, water quality improvements, and enhanced biodiversity," said Mejia. "I also want to mention the importance of the cultural and tribal significance of this region." 

Mejia said that a restored estuary with public access will boost Thurston County's economy by drawing eco-tourism, recreational fisheries, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the area. 

Mejia added that the project aligns with the county's broader climate resilience goals, advocates for regional collaboration and equitable distribution, and gives the county a say in government structures, ensuring long-term sustainability and proper management of the estuary. 

Clouse stated her reasons for supporting the project and the ILA as important to the Squaxin Island Tribe. 

"It's a decades-long effort on behalf of many regional partners… The restoration of the estuary is of profound cultural significance to the Squaxin tribe. The project will help our tribal communities and is an important step to repairing historical harm and recognizing the importance of indigenous stewardship towards this land," Clouse said. 

Clouse also addressed the public who have contacted her, assuring them that their budget concerns are valid and that the ILA requires the state money to be utilized before the county releases its resources. 

"Money from the state doesn't come through the county… we rely on that money from the state to be secured before we pay into this," said Clouse. "So, for me, that was a layer of protection." 

Clouse added that expenditures would also start around 2027 or a few years later, allowing the county more time to determine the funding mechanism.  

Menser emphasized the project's importance for salmon recovery, a regional problem that is discussed in various committees within and outside the county. 

"The money this county pours into efforts for salmon recovery…we spend untold amounts of money, time, planning, [and] staffing, to try to enhance our natural environment, [and] restore estuaries. Estuary environments are the number one most important thing for salmon," said Menser. 

Menser also said that approving the ILA would give the county a say in solving problems regionally.  

"This county, unlike any other place I've seen, works on problems regionally. We want to be at that table for all those regional conversations. We do not want to get into a game of…we don't have responsibility for this…if we play that game, we will find ourselves left out of very important conversations and processes that serve Thurston County residents," said Menser. 

Edwards voted in opposition to the ILA's approval due to some public input and budgetary concerns. 

"I, too, am not against this project. If the project is beneficial and the community wants to move forward with this project, that's fine. My problem is that we really do not have the whole financial aspect of this figured out to where it's correct," said Edwards. 

Edwards explained that the county received a finding from the state auditor earlier this year, which is not a good indication of credit rating and good financial standing. 

"I think we should make sure we get it right before we move forward with something…I really think we should be cautious anytime we're spending the taxpayer's money," said Edwards.