Grays Harbor County Marine Resources Committee - Washington State: Public Invite: SR 520 Pontoon Construction Project Groundbreaking with Governor Gregoire

Friday, February 4, 2011

Public Invite: SR 520 Pontoon Construction Project Groundbreaking with Governor Gregoire

Join us for this exciting event to mark the next big step for the SR 520 program! Please plan to join Governor Chris Gregoire, state and local leaders, WSDOT, and Kiewit-General Joint Venture as we break ground on the SR 520 Pontoon Construction Project http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR520/Pontoons.htm. We’ll be at the Aberdeen Log Yard where crews will begin construction in the coming weeks. We are building pontoons to replace the SR 520 floating bridge in the event of a catastrophic failure and to store them until they are needed for the planned bridge replacement. This event will happen rain or shine. Plan to wear boots or sturdy shoes, as the site has uneven ground and some standing water.

SR 520 Pontoon Construction Project groundbreaking:

Time: 11 a.m. to noon

Date: Saturday, February 12, 2011

Location: Aberdeen Log Yard, Aberdeen, WA.

Parking areas will be clearly marked upon arrival.Confirmed speakers include:

·Governor Chris Gregoire

·Former House Majority Leader Rep. Lynn Kessler (24th District)

·Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond

To RSVP: E-mail Amanda Cox at coxa@consultant.wsdot.wa.gov

Contact person on the day of the event:

Amanda Cox, coxa@consultant.wsdot.wa.gov, 206-409-0177 or Jeff Switzer, switzerj@wsdot.wa.gov, 206-819-7230

Directions From I-5, take exit 104 onto US-101 N. Travel approximately 40 miles to Aberdeen. Continue on US-101 N through Aberdeen (US-101 N is also called E. Wishkah St. once you enter Aberdeen). Continue on E. Wishkah through Aberdeen. Take a slight right onto W. Wishkah St., and then an immediate left at S. Division St. Signs will lead you to the event entrance at the Aberdeen Log Yard.

What is a Marine Resources Committee?

Marine Resources Committees (MRC) engage citizens to set priorities and design projects of local importance to help protect and restore the marine environment. The first MRCs in Washington were established in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Jefferson and Clallam counties under the Northwest Straits Commission.

Each member of the MRC represents a broad spectrum of interests from businesses, tribes, recreational interests, the conservation community, the local port or someone with relevant scientific expertise. An MRC is a citizen based approach to propose and implement research, scientific surveys, and restoration projects. They have the ability to engage a broad range of citizens in marine stewardship to accomplish research and restoration projects that reflect local priorities contributing to broader marine conservation goals.

MRCs At a Glance

MRCs work to bring together many interests to work cooperatively and effectively, contribute to scientific understanding of the marine ecosystem, spread innovative ideas regionally, and help mobilize citizen support for marine conservation. By tapping local support they can generate and implement practical, on-the-ground projects that benefit the ecosystem and economic development.

*Many diverse partners
*Creative solutions to challenging issues
*Education and outreach elements
*Inexpensive – good leveraging of funds
*Action oriented

How did the MRC originate?

The Grays Harbor MRC project was formalized in spring 2008 through new Washington State legislation passed via the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and Grays Harbor County. Serving as the pilot coastal MRC for southwest Washington, Grays Harbor's became the first state funded grass roots, locally driven conservation group emphasizing coastal and marine waters. With measurable funding and regional and national support it provides major potential for successful conservation measures for Washington's rapidly developing coastline.

What are the benefits of having an MRC in my community?

Marine Resources Committees are an advisory body on marine issues. They bring together many interests to work cooperatively and effectively, contribute to the scientific understanding of the marine ecosystem, spread innovative ideas regionally, and mobilize citizen support for marine conservation. As a result, they implement practical, on-the-ground projects that benefit the local ecosystem and economy. These projects often generate money and resources from state agencies and other entities.

Examples of MRC accomplishments
· Identifying priority conservation and restoration sites.
· Mapping forage fish spawning beaches.
· Working with the State DNR to remove creosote-laden logs.
· Creating voluntary no anchor zones to protect eelgrass.
· Coordinating the efforts of marine managers from the state,
local, federal and tribal governments.

Grays Harbor County Marine Resources Committee - Washington State

Friday, February 4, 2011

Public Invite: SR 520 Pontoon Construction Project Groundbreaking with Governor Gregoire

Broad Local Representation

Advantages of Citizen Based Approach