SEATTLE — Washington lawmakers have approved an additional $1.1 billion for culvert replacement projects aimed at restoring salmon habitat, bringing the state’s total investment to $5.2 billion since the early 2000s. The effort follows a federal court order requiring the Washington State Department of Transportation to remove fish-blocking culverts in Western Washington by 2030.
Now, representatives from the state and 21 tribal nations are preparing for formal mediation to reassess the timeline and scope of the project. Talks could begin as early as this month and are expected to influence the future cost and direction of the work.
In comments to The Seattle Times, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Chair W. Ron Allen said the additional funding shows lawmakers are committed to meeting their court-mandated obligations despite fiscal challenges. “Is it enough? The answer is, ‘No, it’s not enough,’” Allen said, adding that the state must be flexible in its approach to restoring salmon runs.
The 2025–27 transportation budget includes $120 million in new culvert funding. A separate $5 billion bond proposal aimed at speeding up the work failed due to concerns from Gov. Bob Ferguson and local governments. Lawmakers also included $450,000 to complete a long-term fish passage strategy that could help guide decisions reached in mediation.