By Pep Fisher
SEQUIM – The Lower Dungeness River Floodplain Restoration Project relocated a portion of the levee system along the lower reaches of the Dungeness River. By all accounts, the project is a huge success, restoring 175 acres of the river’s historic floodplain, reducing flood risk and expanding habitat for salmon and other wildlife species.
Now, county officials want to hear from the public about what to do on top of the new levee. Originally, the 32-foot wide surface was going to be paved and become the new northern extension of Towne Road, connecting it once again to Anderson Road.
However, when the new levee was completed, the site became a popular hiking trail. The elevation of the levee gives users a great view of the restored floodplain and the wildlife that quickly inhabited the restored area. As a result of the popularity of the trail, petitions were soon presented to the Board of County Commissioners, requesting that the new levee be developed as a recreational trail facility instead of restoring the road.
Commissioners now are reconsidering, and are seeking public input on four basic options for resurfacing the levee.
Option 1: Construct a two-lane road to connect existing Towne Road to E. Anderson Road.
Option 2: Construct a two-lane road and a separate six-foot trail surface.
Option 3: Construct a one-lane, 16-foot road surface going south-bound only and a 12-foot-wide pedestrian trail-surface.
Option 4: Construct a pedestrian trail only.
A public meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 26, at 6:00 PM at the Guy Cole Convention Center in Sequim. Staff will provide clarifying information and open up discussion on the four alternatives. A public comment period has been created to receive written comments. The comment period will end on Tuesday, October 10, at 5:00 PM.
It’s expected that funding and construction of any of the alternatives will take two to three years.