USA: Ecology Seeks Public Comment on Bainbridge Island Shoreline Program

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is seeking public comment on Bainbridge Island’s recently updated shoreline master program.

The proposal will guide construction and development in the city’s 54 miles of marine shoreline. It combines local plans for future development and preservation with new development ordinances and related permitting requirements.

The city’s locally tailored shoreline program is designed to help minimize environmental damage to shoreline areas, reserve appropriate areas for water-oriented uses, and protect the public’s right to public land and waters.

Under Washington’s 1972 voter-approved Shoreline Management Act, Ecology must review and approve the city’s proposed shoreline program before it takes effect. Cities and counties statewide are in the process of, or soon will be updating or developing, their shoreline programs.

Ecology will host an open house and public hearing on the city’s shoreline program proposal on July 31, at Bainbridge Island City Hall, 280 Madison Avenue North, in the city council chambers. Officials from Ecology and the city will be available to answer questions. The open house will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the public hearing at 7 p.m.

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Press Release, July 10, 2013