Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, July 10, 2009

Tulalips get wetland dollars for Snohomish River basin work

The $2 million grant will go toward tribal-led restoration efforts in the lower Snohomish River basin.

By Krista J. Kapralos
Herald Writer

 The Tulalip Tribes received late last month a $2 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to restore 350 acres of wetland and 16 stream miles of fish passage in the lower Snohomish River.

The grant is part of a $16.4 million award to Pacific Northwest tribes through the American Recovery and Investment Act, a federal program designed to kick-start the troubled national economy. Other projects funded by the grant include flood plain restorations in Port Angeles and Milltown, a marsh restoration in Burlington and the removal of derelict fishing gear in Puget Sound. The projects are being completed by various tribes.

Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, former Washington governor, announced the grants on June 30.

"These Recovery Act projects will put Americans to work while restoring our coasts and combating climate change," Locke said. "They reflect our investment in sound science and commitment to help strengthen local economies."

The Tulalip project includes removing levees, excavating channels and planting native vegetation, according to the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.

In total, 50 projects were chosen from a pool of more than 800 applications. Other projects approved in the Northwest region include the removal of the Gold Ray Dam in Oregon, which will open more than 300 miles of the Rogue River to salmon.

Krista J. Kapralos: 425-339-3422, kkapralos@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA