Port offers grants to improve Des Moines, Miller and Walker creeks

-$300,000 available for watershed enhancements near Sea-Tac Airport-

The Port of Seattle is offering $300,000 in grants to local governments or interested groups for projects that will enhance streams near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The grants will provide $150,000 for projects in the Des Moines Creek watershed, and an equal amount for work in the watershed comprised by Miller and Walker Creeks.

The Port committed to offering these grants as part of their mitigation plan for the environmental impacts of construction at Sea-Tac. The Port is doing $155 million worth of mitigation on property it owns. The goal of this program is to help local governments, residents or interested parties improve sections of the creeks that are not on Port property.

"The Port is investing a lot to clean up and restore the creeks where they cross Port property," said Port of Seattle Commission Chair Bob Edwards. "Here's an opportunity for citizens to come up with creative ideas to improve their streams in their own communities."

Applicants are free to suggest their own projects. Possible projects might include stabilizing stream banks, planting them with native vegetation, or creating pools that would serve as winter habitat for fish.

"We're confident that neighboring jurisdictions or non-profit groups will propose projects that can really make a difference," Edwards said.

There is no matching requirement in these grants. However, the availability of matching funds or other contributions by the applicant will be considered in the approval process.

Applications must be received by Nov. 23, 2005 and will be reviewed by representatives of the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Washington State Department of Ecology who will make the decision on which projects will receive funding. The application documents will specify those governments and community groups that are eligible to apply.

Applications can be obtained at the Port's web site at http://www.portseattle.org or by calling (206) 988-5527.