According to WSDOT Secretary Roger Millar, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has made significant strides in restoring fish habitats by removing barriers under state highways despite facing numerous challenges.
A federal court order from 2013 mandated that WSDOT correct hundreds of outdated fish barriers, opening up miles of previously blocked habitats.
Since the order was issued, WSDOT has successfully removed 146 barriers, unlocking 571 miles of potential fish habitat, representing 50% of the total habitat blocked by state highway culverts.
The department has also initiated work on 160 additional sites, which, once completed, will bring the total restored habitat to 70%.
However, achieving the final goal of restoring 90% of the blocked habitats requires additional funding, estimated at $4 billion.
The work completed thus far has created momentum for other barrier owners in the watershed to follow suit.
State law mandates all barrier owners to correct their barriers, and WSDOT’s progress is seen as a crucial first step in the broader restoration efforts.