SEATTLE - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials are seeking public comments on the Seattle Harbor Navigation Improvement Project Draft Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment.
The 30-day public comment period runs Aug. 2 to 31, 2016. The documents are available for viewing online at http://tinyurl.com/SeatteHarborGI. A paper copy is available at each Seattle Public Library Delridge, West Seattle, International District and Highpoint branch.
Corps and Port of Seattle officials will hold a public information meeting at the South Seattle Community College Georgetown Campus, Bldg. C, Room C110/111, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Aug. 18, 2016. The meeting purpose is to discuss the proposal for Federal action and the alternatives considered as a result of the navigation improvement project study. The Port of Seattle is the non-federal project sponsor working with the Corps to complete this feasibility study.
The Seattle Harbor Navigation Improvement tentatively selected plan includes deepening the East and West Waterways to 57 feet below mean lower low water. Deeper waterways will accommodate today’s fleet of larger container ship draft requirements.
Navigational challenges were identified in both waterways. The channels are currently 51 feet deep or deeper, but some shallower spots present navigational and safety challenges. The study evaluated several deepening alternatives.
Public comments on the proposed plan and alternatives will be considered as the Corps works toward completing the navigation improvement plan. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the Corps’ website to view the tentatively selected plan and supporting documents at http://tinyurl.com/SeattleHarborGI.
Comments on the Draft Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment may be submitted by email, at the upcoming public meeting, or in written form. Comments will be accepted via email to SeattleHarbor@usace.army.mil or can be mailed with postmark by Aug. 30, 2016 to:
Nancy Gleason
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CENWS-PM-ER
P.O. Box 3755
Seattle, Washington 98124-3755
Requests for additional information should be directed to Corps Project Manager Brian Nelson at 206-316-3929.