PORT OF SEATTLE 
MEMORANDUM 
COMMISSION AGENDA             Item No.      6d 
Date of Meeting     June 5, 2012 

DATE:    May 24, 2012 
TO:     Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
FROM:    Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Director, Environmental and Planning Services 
Paul Meyer, Manager, Environmental Permitting and Compliance 
George Blomberg, Senior Environmental Program Manager 
SUBJECT:  Shoreline Rehabilitation Project in Duwamish Waterway, at Eighth Avenue
South, South Park public shoreline access site and South Riverside Drive 
Amount of This Request: No funds requested    Source of Funds: State unding 
Total Project Cost: $250,000        Est. Construction Jobs Generated: None 
ACTION REQUESTED:
Request authorization for the Chief Executive Officer to: (1) utilize 0.16 acres (6,900 square
feet) of Port-owned commercial waterway district property for shoreline rehabilitation project in
the Duwamish Waterway in conjunction with 0.17 acres (7,450 square feet) of City of Seattle
right-of-way on South Riverside Drive; (2) o btain permit approvals for shoreline rehabilitation
project; and  (3) approve the expenditure of funds from Washington State Department of
Transportation for use by Port crews to construct a shoreline rehabilitation project for an
estimated construction cost of $250,000 which will be reimbursed 100 percent with state funds. 
This project is being accomplished through an existing contract with the Washington State
Department of Transportation, which expires on December 31, 2012. 
SYNOPSIS:
This habitat project was designed to substitute degraded shoreline and upland area with durable
environmental resources in an areas of the Duwamish Waterway where marsh and riparian
resoruces are rare and has been designed to avoid potential disruption of adjacent privatelyowned
property. The proposed shoreline rehabilitation project is consistent with the habitat
restoration projects described in the Lower Duwamish River Habitat Restoration Plan, adopted
by the Commission on July 7, 2009, and will contribute to the Port's Century Agenda goal of
restoring up to 40 acres of fish and wildlife habitat in the Green River/Duwamuish watershed.
However, the proposed project may impede future use of the street-end for the transfer of cargo
between the right-of-way and the adjacent waterway. No past use of the street end at this
location to transfer cargo is known.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
May 24, 2012 
Page 2 of 6 
The proposed shoreline rehabilitation project  includes re-grading Port-owned  Duwamish
Waterway shoreline and adjacent City-owned South Riverside right-of-way to restore aquatic
and shoreline habitat and improve public access to shoreline, at the combined site. The proposed
project includes: (1) removal of existing inter-tidal debris; (2) excavation of existing eroding,
rubble-filled bank line; (3) installation of low-impact shoreline stabilization; and, (4) planting of
native marsh and riparian vegetation.
Pending permit approvals from city, state, and federal entities, the shoreline rehabilitation project
would be completed in December 2012. Port costs for shoreline restoration work would be
reimbursed through a $250,000 agreement with the Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT). The WSDOT funds derive from an environmental commitment made
by WSDOT relating to an I-5/I-405 transportation project serving SEA-TAC Airport. WSDOT
has reviewed the present shoreline rehabilitation project and indicates the proposed work is
consistent with WSDOT's commitments and the WSDOT/Port agreement. 
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND: 
The proposed project includes approximately 180 linear feet of Port-owned shoreline and upland
on the west margin of the Duwamish Waterway and the adjacent water-ward portion of South
Riverside Drive, which is City of Seattle right-of-way. The aquatic area and shoreline at the site
include a derelict wooden barge, debris, and industrial rubble. Existing upland area includes
unimproved Port shoreline property and City right-of-way formerly used for vehicle parking and
uncovered construction materials storage. The existing derelict wooden barge and associated
inter-tidal debris field would be removed, re-exposing the existing inter-tidal area. Habitat
rehabilitation would also include excavating and re-grading the existing eroding bank-line,
relocating the top-of-bank approximately 10 to 15 feet land-ward. The re-shaped bank-line
would be stabilized using a combination of vegetated gabions and anchored large woody debris.
Re-graded inter-tidal and shoreline area would be planted with native marsh and riparian
vegetation. Materials excavated during shoreline restoration would be re-used for landscaping
purposes in shoreland area at the site. Shoreline habitat restoration would complement the Port's
existing Eighth Avenue South/South Park public shoreline access site, completed in 2007-2008. 
No Port business interests are included in the proposed project. No structures, aside from
shoreline stabilization measures, are included. The habitat restoration project includes vacant
Port shoreline (approximately 6,900 square feet) and vacant, unimproved City right-of-way
abutting the waterway (approximately 7,450 square feet). Port and City property included in the
proposal have no alternative development potential, excepting potential for street-use rental by
the City of Seattle.
The proposed project is revenue neutral. WSDOT funding includes reimbursement for all design,
permitting, and construction costs, up to $250,000. An additional $30,000 in construction funds 
have been committed by the City of Seattle, Parks and Recreation. The City funds are intended
for a pedestrian pathway, seating, and information signs. Seattle Parks Foundation, an
independent nonprofit organization, is providing $15,000, as in-kind public use and open space
design expertise.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
May 24, 2012 
Page 3 of 6 

The proposed design is intended to avoid and minimize potential maintenance requirements. The
Port maintains the existing 17,000 square feet of South Park public shoreline access site,
including 200 linear feet of shoreline and upland structures, adjacent and upstream of the
proposed restoration area. Maintenance of additional shoreline restoration areas would be
accomplished using existing Port resources and participating community organizations.
Potential project risks include the following: 
1.  Utilities: Sub-grade sanitary sewer and water lines are located in public right-of-way and
Port shoreline property. The present shoreline restoration design avoids disruption of
these utilities and ensures future stable bank line conditions. 
2.  Contaminated soil: Shoreline excavation includes area filled by others during past
decades. Existing soil test information does not indicate contamination. The proposed
project budget includes approximately fifteen percent contingency for testing and
handling of unanticipated materials. 
3.  Stability of adjacent privately-owned property: The proposed project is limited to
publicly-owned shoreline and upland area. The project has been designed to avoid
potential disruption of adjacent privately-owned property.
4.  Marine industrial use conflicts: The proposed restoration project would foreclose future
use of approximately 7,450 square feet in South Riverside Drive right-of-way as outdoor
storage area. The site has been used in past years for vehicle and equipment
parking/storage. However, the City of Seattle has determined that vehicle parking and
equipment storage are inconsistent with present water-abutting street use and
management objectives for this site. The water-ward portion of South Riverside Drive is
listed in the City's 2008 Park Levy Shoreline Street-endFund. The proposed project is
consistent with the City's long-termplans for use of this right-of-way area. Finally, the
proposed project may impede future use of the street-end for transfer of cargo between
the right-of-way and the adjacent waterway. No past use of the street end at this location
for cargo transfer is known. 
PROJECT JUSTIFICATION: 
The proposed project will substitute degraded shoreline and upland areaan area with little
potential maritime business opportunity--with durable environmental resources in an area of the
Duwamish Waterway where marsh and riparian resource values are rare. 
PROJECT SCHEDULE: 
Construction of the proposed shoreline rehabilitation project is intended for the fourth quarter of
2012. Schedule milestones are:

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
May 24, 2012 
Page 4 of 6 

Start                 Finish 
Pre Design                                Complete 
Design               June 2012              August 2012 
Permits                March 2012             October 2012 
Construction            October 2012            December 2012 
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: 
Budget/Authorization Summary 
Original Budget                                                    $0 
Previous Authorizations                                                $0 
Current request for authorization                                        $250,000 
Total Authorizations, including this request                                     $0 
Remaining budget to be authorized                                       $0 
Total Estimated Project Cost                                        $250,000 
Project Cost Breakdown 
Construction                                                   $222,500 
Construction Management                                       $12,000 
Design                                                          $0 
Project Management                                            $9,500
Permitting                                                       $6,000 
State & Local Taxes (estimated)                                           $0 
Total                                                           $250,000 
Source of Funds 
The cost of the project will initially be funded by the Seaport's general fund, but will be
reimbursed through a project agreement with WSDOT.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
May 24, 2012 
Page 5 of 6 

Financial Analysis Summary:
CIP Category           NA 
Project Type            NA 
Risk adjusted Discount rate   NA 
Key risk factors           See list of potential project risks included under "Additional
Background".
Additional Key Risks: 
Project costs could exceed the $250,000 amount agreed to be
reimbursed by WSDOT. 
Project timeframe could extend beyond the December 31,
2012, date stipulated in the agreement with WSDOT making
the Port responsible for the costs incurred after that date. 
WSDOT could determine that not all Port expenditures
qualify for reimbursement. 
Future cost of maintaining the site could be higher than the
minimal amount currently anticipated. 
Project cost for analysis      $250,000 
Business Unit (BU)        Seaport 
Effect on business         Per discussions with Accounting & Financial Reporting, the cost
performance           of the project will be recorded as a Non-Operating Expense and
the reimbursement from WSDOT will be recorded as offsetting
Non-Operating Revenue. 
The future costs associated with maintaining the site will be
recorded as operating expense. The amount of these costs are
described as being minimal. 
IRR/NPV            NA 
ECONOMIC IMPACTS AND BUSINESS PLAN OBJECTIVES: 
Proceeding with the proposed project creates environmental and community benefits, with no
burden to Port budget. 
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES: 
The proposed project is consistent with the Port's mission statement, strategies, and
objectives, including the following: (1) The project is cost neutral and provides important
community and environmental value; (2) The project has the potential to aid the Port's
business objectives by demonstrating the feasibility of habitat restoration at compact

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
May 24, 2012 
Page 6 of 6 
Duwamish Waterway sites, provding an example for compensatory actions that may be
required for future Port development actions; (3) The project provides an opportunity for
cooperative work with the adjacent community and citizen groups; (4) The project represents
an environmental stewardship initiative; and, (5) The restoration work has been planned and
designed by the Port, building the capability of Port staff for implementation of similar future
projects. 
The project supports the Century Agenda goal to restore, create, and enhance 40 additional
acres of habitat in the Green River/Duwamish watershed and Elliott Bay over the next 25
years. 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY BENEFITS: 
The proposed project replaces degraded aquatic area and shoreline conditions with stable,
environmentally beneficial features. 
Derelict and industrial waste materials will be removed from the environment. 
Excavated soils will be re-used on site as landscape materials. 
No new structures or facilities requiring life-cycle or total cost of ownership commitments
are proposed. Maintenance of vegetative shoreline stabilization is expected to be minimal. 
The proposed project will include community participation in design of shoreland features
and the potential for community stewardship. 
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS: 
No action: This alternative would leave site conditions unchanged and would not take
advantage of funds available from WSDOT for shoreline restoration. 
Shoreline rehabilitation: (1) uses  outside funds for reimbursement of Port-managed 
construction costs; (2) adds  to internal design and implementation capabilities; (3)
demonstrates restoration techniques for use in Duwamish Waterway; (4) builds on previous
work with citizens and community groups; (5) provides partnership with City of Seattle; and
(6) demonstrates environmental stewardship. The Port will be fully reimbursed for the cost.
This is the recommended alternative. 
OTHER DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS REQUEST: 
Shoreline rehabilitation site plans. 
Summary: DRAFT SEPA Checklist 
Washington State Department of Transportation agreement 
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS: 
July 7, 2009  Commission adopted the Lower Duwamish River Habitat Restoration Plan.