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subcontractor to CW) recently re -delineated project wetlands reducing the estimated area <br />of wetland impact from 8.3 acres to a current estimated impact of 2.6 acres. CW is <br />currently developing project alternatives with the goal of reducing this area further, to the <br />greatest extent possible while still meeting project objectives. <br />DISCUSSION: <br />The EA team has been waiting for months for a USACE site visit. This site visit would <br />initiate the approved jurisdictional determination process. The pandemic and associated <br />travel restrictions have not produced the desired site visit. It now appears that a site visit <br />by the USACE is not likely until spring 2021. The EA team was hoping for an Approved <br />Jurisdictional Determination eliminating the need for the team to make assumptions <br />about USACE wetland jurisdiction. The value politically would be having the USACE <br />make the call on EA wetlands, so that the team does not have to suppose jurisdiction. <br />Local politics could define the EA team as being "overly" supportive of wetland <br />delineation extent. <br />Delays and travel restrictions upon USACE staff are creating the crisis we are now facing <br />on project timeline. Given that Whiskey Creek flows to the Yakima, there is a high <br />likelihood that the USACE will claim jurisdiction of the delineated wetlands. Assuming <br />USACE jurisdiction and moving forward as "Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination" <br />allows the team to keep moving towards applying for the individual permit and ultimate <br />wetland mitigation. The EA team is concerned that waiting until spring of 2021 for a <br />determination from the USACE, the entire project timeline will slide by approximately <br />six months. Missing our construction window for the taxiway, could result in funding <br />being moved away from ELN and sent to another airport in the FAA region. <br />FISCAL RAPACTS: <br />Currently, $2,350,000 is programmed for wetland mitigation starting in 2022 and <br />completing in 2023. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />Exhibit 1: Original map depicting wetland impact <br />Exhibit 2: Revised map depicting wetland impact <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />