Pierce Today

SEQUIM, WA – On July 3, 2023, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe has been awarded a $25 million RAISE Discretionary Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This grant will be used to replace the Big Quilcene River bridge on Linger Longer Road. The new bridge will have pedestrian infrastructure and will also replace flood-prone segments of Linger Longer Road.

“Climate change and rising sea levels are threatening communities across our region – including Tribal communities. The federal government has an obligation to fulfill its trust and treaty responsibilities to ensure folks aren’t put at risk,” said Rep. Kilmer. “That’s why I have continued to push the federal government to deliver critical funding like this to help communities build climate resilience. Through awards like this, the federal government is moving to reduce flood risk, restore fish passage, and provide critical access to upstream habitat. That’s important if we’re going to protect communities and to recover the salmon populations that are so vital to our region’s economy, culture, and way of life.”

“Our community is about to receive an incredible new floodplain-spanning bridge (1,040-feet long) on Linger Longer Road, courtesy of the Tribe and our amazing partners the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group,” said Ron Allen, Tribal Council Chairman, Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. “I think the Tribe and HCSEG should plan one of the greatest ribbon cutting ceremonies ever. We will also upgrade the levee system to ensure that the Linger Longer community has a high level (1,000-year or greater) of flood protection. The Tribe and HCSEG will also construct a re-natured river channel through this reach that will have world class salmon habitat to produce large numbers of salmon for the benefit of treaty tribes and non-treaty fishers. In addition, restoration of the floodplain will provide significant benefits for shellfish habit in Quilcene Bay.”

In previous years, significant efforts were made to maintain public access to the bridge. In 2022, the Washington State Department of Transportation carried out a $1.5 million project aimed at preserving the bridge and prolonging its lifespan. The allocated $25 million will be utilized to build a new bridge, incorporate pedestrian infrastructure, and address sections of Linger Longer Road that are prone to flooding.

Original source can be found here.