RICHLAND, Wash. --
In a major milestone, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Walla Walla District, in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the Yakama Nation, the Washington Department of Ecology, and the Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group has awarded a $1.2 million construction contract to PIPKIN INC. for the Bateman Island Causeway removal project.
Located at the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia rivers in Richland, Wash., the Bateman Island Causeway restricts water flow, raising water temperatures and degrading water quality west of the island. This harms salmon migration, favors invasive fish, and promotes algal blooms and mosquitoes. The project, slated to begin as early as December, will restore the Yakima River Delta's ecological function by removing the causeway, improving water flow, enhancing aquatic habitat, and benefiting the overall health of the river ecosystem.
“We are so excited to be a part of the restoration of the Yakima River Delta. As commander of the Walla Walla District, I am proud to be part of this effort, returning the area to its natural state,” said Lt. Col. Kathryn Werback. “The island causeway blocks the river's course, which negatively impacts critical habitat for culturally significant fish. Today, we begin reversing that harm through a restoration effort made possible by our strong partnerships with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Yakama Nation, and Mid-Columbia Fisheries.”
The Yakima Delta Leadership Team, consisting of USACE and partner organization personnel, highlights the strong collaboration between the various stakeholders involved in the project. These partnerships have been crucial in navigating the complexities of the project and ensuring its success.
“There is a lot of power in collaboration. This really is the model of how we can succeed, and we are continuing to work together to build something,” said Kelly Susewind, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “We'll make progress on our unified goal, which is to have a fully functioning ecosystem here.”
USACE's efforts are guided by the Continuing Authorities Program, Section 1135 authority, under the Water Resources Development Act, which mandates addressing degraded ecological conditions in areas under their control.
The Bateman Island Causeway Removal project represents a significant step forward in restoring the ecological health of the Yakima River Delta and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region’s natural resources.
“I am hopeful that by February, we will have the opportunity to see the river restored to its natural state,” said Phil Rigdon, Yakima Nation Department of Natural Resources superintendent. “That’s the exciting part—those things that we value as native people. I want to thank my staff, but also my leaders, who have stayed consistent the whole time, fighting for what’s right, fighting for what we need to take care of. It’s about the spirit of where our people, our history and our way of life have always been tied to the river, the fish, and our connection to the Coast.”
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