Economic Development on Bush Prairie - Restore Appropriation of $2 million*

Significant parts of the Cities of Tumwater and Yelm have been removed from development for housing, employment, schools, State facilities, and utilities due to the listing of several prairie species (most notably the Mazama Pocket Gopher) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The City of Tumwater and the Port of Olympia are working together to develop a 30-year Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) that identifies the type and amount of mitigation land to be set aside for gopher mitigation banking. The bank allows private and public development to occur in areas within the cities where development has been halted because of habitat impacts.

The amount of land needed for Tumwater is estimated at 1,015 acres at a cost of over $55 million over 30 years, including establishing and maintaining the appropriate prairie land. Tumwater and the Port of Olympia are near completion of the HCP. Still, we need to demonstrate commitment to obtaining and developing mitigation before the HCP is completed. We also need to demonstrate a commitment to acquiring land and developing mitigation. We request restoration of the previously appropriated $2 million in funding for Tumwater to initiate the mitigation bank. It would be used for the initial land purchase and improvement into the qualifying habitat. As other property is developed, which impacts the habitat, credits will be sold, and the proceeds reinvested in more property to be converted into mitigation. The objective is to jump-start the creation of a sustaining mitigation bank.

Read the draft Habitat Conservation Plan here

Brewery District Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

The City of Tumwater is preparing a new Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to promote redevelopment in the Brewery District, addressing long-standing environmental, infrastructure, and regulatory issues. The EIS will examine multiple development options, assess environmental impacts and cleanup needs, and recommend mitigation measures to make redevelopment more feasible. Guided by a Policy Advisory Committee made up of community and industry leaders, the process establishes a clear framework for investment and revitalization. The City requests $550,000 in state funding to initiate the year-long EIS in 2026, building on decades of public input and planning efforts, including the Brewery Action Plan (2011) and the updated Brewery District Plan (2020).

Regional Traffic Solution: E Street Connection

The City of Tumwater is in the initial planning stages for the E Street Connection, a new east-west transportation corridor that will link Capitol Boulevard and Cleveland Avenue. This project aims to reduce congestion and enhance regional mobility. Designed to accommodate 28,200 vehicles daily—primarily commuters and commercial traffic—the project will include a 1,350-foot bridge over the Deschutes River and a rail line, as well as two roundabouts and various multimodal amenities to ensure safety and accessibility. 10,000 jobs.
 
With $2.1 million invested locally, the City seeks an additional $6.6 million in state transportation funding. This funding will be used to complete the design, engineering, and permitting processes, acquire necessary right-of-way, and finalize the project footprint based on community feedback. The E Street Connection will complement Tumwater’s broader vision for a vibrant, walkable economic hub, centered around the Craft District, Brewery property, regional trails, and the city’s natural surroundings along the Deschutes River.