Friday, April 16, 2021

Port of Seattle OKs Funds for Pier 86 Study

Funds for a cost and feasibility study to restore the Pier 86 Public Fishing Pier has been approved by the Port of Seattle Commission.

The study, to be performed jointly with the Expedia Group and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will look into what it will take to rebuild the pier with a “ferry float” to transport commuters locally and to the Expedia Campus, which opened near Pier 86.

Expedia Group is contributing $250,000, while the Department of Fish and Wildlife is providing to $167,000 to help fund the study.

“It is critical that we determine the best path forward to returning this great public benefit back to the Seattle waterfront for greater access that provides public equity,” said Port Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck. “By taking the time to study the engineering demands and construction costs of a new pier, we can best steward our public and private funds so the public has the confidence that we have used these resources wisely and will benefit everyone.”

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is excited about the public/private partnership which will bring back public fishing to Pier 86, a high priority for the department since the facility closed in 2018, said Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife North Puget Sound Regional Director Brendan Brokes.

“We look forward to seeing this project along for public benefit,” Brokes said.

The study will eventually come before the commission for review, with Site Analysis and Design and Project Budget work to be finished by July. Permit documents and implementing agreements could be done by January 2022 if partners agree to move forward, the port said.