City of Gig Harbor to Honor Congressman Norm Dicks

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The City of Gig Harbor will officially honor out-going at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Donkey Creek and Estuary Restoration Project on Monday, Sept. 17, 3 p.m. at the Harbor History Museum in Gig Harbor. A private reception will follow the groundbreaking.

Congressman Norm Dicks has represented Gig Harbor and our region since 1976 and has long been a champion of protecting and preserving our environment.

Dicks support helped secure the federal grants for the Donkey Creek Restoration project; $1,461,000 from the FY 2010 Transportation and Housing & Urban Development Appropriations Bill; and $800,000 from the FY 2009 Interior Appropriations Bill.

The Donkey Creek Restoration and Transportation Project is an example of Congressman Dicks’ and the City of Gig Harbor’s commitment to preserving the local watershed environment and providing environmentally sensitive opportunities for public enjoyment of the waterfront.  At nearly 13 acres, this project is the largest contiguous restoration project of its kind in the region.  It represents untold hours of coordination between the City, state and federal agencies, the utility providers and the Harbor History Museum. 

The project will restore the creek and create new estuary to create a fish friendly habitat and provide opportunities for the public to view and enjoy the beautiful harbor estuarine environment.  Once the project is complete, there will be a walking path that connects the newly constructed Austin Estuary Park with Donkey Creek Park along the restored estuary and stream behind the Harbor History Museum.

The City of Gig Harbor, in partnership with the Harbor History Museum, looks forward to promoting public education regarding the benefits of environmental preservation and providing a beautiful destination point to attract visitors and enhance connectivity to support the local economy.

For information regarding the Groundbreaking event contact Molly Towslee, City of Gig Harbor at (253) 853-7613.  For information regarding the Donkey Creek Restoration and Transportation Project contact Emily Appleton, City of Gig Harbor at (253) 853-7620.