OLYMPIA — In a unanimous vote today, the five Port of Olympia Commissioners approved a contract to initiate an evaluation of properties on the Port Peninsula and develop a comprehensive long-term land use plan.
The Integrated Port Peninsula Master Plan aims to create a plan for future uses on the marine terminal, at Swantown Marina and Boatworks, and for other key areas, by integrating multiple projects into a holistic land use plan. It will include integrating the Budd Inlet cleanup, sea level rise resilience projects, the Deschutes Estuary restoration, and concepts from the Vision 2050 and Destination Waterfront community visions.
Executive Director Alex Smith, who joined the Port in March 2024, emphasized the importance of this integrated approach, which was initially planned when the Budd Inlet cleanup project restarted in 2022, but was delayed due to leadership transitions.
“Developing a long-term land use plan that integrates and aligns with the Budd Inlet cleanup, sea level rise resilience needs, and Deschutes Estuary restoration is crucial,” said Smith. “This approach not only positions us better for funding opportunities but also aligns with the community’s desires.”
A team of consultants will conduct environmental evaluations, market analyses, economic impact studies, and assess open spaces for parks and recreation. These findings will be integrated into proposals for the community to provide feedback on. The final upland master plan will ultimately be the basis of a Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that will be submitted to the City of Olympia for approval. The Planned Action EIS will evaluate the anticipated environmental impacts of the proposed uses in the Master Plan and ensure alignment with the city’s comprehensive plan.
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