This application is to fund the construction of an 85 x40 bridge where one does not currently exist, in the historic location of JimmyComeLately Creek. This project is a component of a larger effort to restore the Creek. The lower reach was moved circa 1913, and routed on a terrace to the east. This change in alignment caused the loss of 8 feet of gradient and more than doubled the length of channel in this reach, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the amount of fluvial and tidal energy available to transport sediment in the channel. This energy loss has resulted in severely degraded habitat: * The perched, aggraded stream has lower flows and decreased habitat quality at low flow, which is important to the migratory, spawning, and egg incubation timing of Summer Chum. * The instability of the channel as it progrades into the Bay is so severe that partial or total blockages to fish passage occur at the point at which the Creek enters the Bay. * The Creek no longer has an estuary, the marine/freshwater transition is abrupt. * Channel instability is chronic, redd scour/fill is severe. The overall project objectives are to restore the Creek to the estuary, restore the estuary by removal of fill and roads, specifically benefiting Summer Chum and waterfowl in the Sequim Bay Watershed, with benefits to other salmon species as well. This project will be implemented by WSDOT, Clallam County is the applicant at the request of the JimmyComeLately Work group.
