The Tulalip Tribes settled two environmental lawsuits against the city of Everett on Wednesday night.
The tribes had joined a lawsuit alleging that a report understates the environmental effects of a proposed bridge at 41st Street over the railroad tracks near the Snohomish River.
The Tulalips also had been part of a lawsuit against the city shoreline master plan.
Several other plaintiffs are pressing on with the two lawsuits.
The City Council approved a settlement with the Tulalips on Wednesday that includes greater environmental protection.
Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson said the settlement is the result in part of an agreement the city and the tribes signed to work closely on matters affecting both governments.
"This really does show the alliance we entered into last fall is working, and we can resolve differences outside the courts," assistant city attorney Mark Soine said.
Tulalip Tribes Chairman Herman Williams said in a news release: "This was a very lengthy, arduous process but in the end the city of Everett and the tribes came through together as partners. This is one of the things I am most proud of in my tenure as chairman."
As part of the settlement, the city will ensure that any development on the old Simpson mill site near the proposed bridge includes wetlands protections and vegetation buffers. The city also will work with the tribes to examine potential habitat enhancement and restoration projects in the area.
Meanwhile, as part of the agreement to pull out of the shoreline lawsuit, the city will contribute $50,000 into a fund for Snohomish River salmon restoration.
Reporter David Olson: 425-339-3452 or dolson@heraldnet.com .
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