Published: Monday, November 29, 2010
County Council approves project to flood Smith Island for estuary
An infusion of grant money is headed toward a controversial Snohomish County-led project to restore salmon habitat on Smith Island, north of Everett.
A 3-1 majority of the County Council voted Wednesday to approve the $2.6 million grant agreement with the state. The vote barely beats a Nov. 30 state deadline for the grant to expire.
Councilman Dave Somers said it was important to act before the money disappeared from future budgets. The project would flood land that farmers diked more than a century ago. Somers said that would help revive estuary salmon populations while providing flood protection.
Councilman John Koster, who voted against the grant agreement, opposes the project because it would eliminate farmland. He called it hypocritical for environmentalists to support sacrificing farmland for fish habitat, but to oppose converting agricultural land to commercial uses.
The Smith Island project, which would cost $10.4 million, is still under environmental review. Different options for its size and scope remain on the table. The outcome could affect a horse-boarding facility that leases land from the county.
Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.com.
Correction, Nov. 29, 2010: The headline on this article originally incorrectly stated the status of the project.
A 3-1 majority of the County Council voted Wednesday to approve the $2.6 million grant agreement with the state. The vote barely beats a Nov. 30 state deadline for the grant to expire.
Councilman Dave Somers said it was important to act before the money disappeared from future budgets. The project would flood land that farmers diked more than a century ago. Somers said that would help revive estuary salmon populations while providing flood protection.
Councilman John Koster, who voted against the grant agreement, opposes the project because it would eliminate farmland. He called it hypocritical for environmentalists to support sacrificing farmland for fish habitat, but to oppose converting agricultural land to commercial uses.
The Smith Island project, which would cost $10.4 million, is still under environmental review. Different options for its size and scope remain on the table. The outcome could affect a horse-boarding facility that leases land from the county.
Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.com.
Correction, Nov. 29, 2010: The headline on this article originally incorrectly stated the status of the project.
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