The project design team, consisting of both County staff (project management, traffic, real property, construction management, environmental, etc.) and consultants (engineering design, hydraulics, geotechnical, environmental, etc.) will work as a joint team to prepare a biddable and constructible set of plans and specifications in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and County standards. The project development & design covered by this planning phase will produce a constructionready design package. Additional elements include utility coordination, erosion and sediment control measures, wall construction, meeting safety standards such as guardrail & traffic control/detour management, stream channel grading and the addition of fish-friendly gravel substrate graded to match upstream and downstream channel elevations; constructing a sustainable fish passable structure; construction efficiency through project design, planning and coordination; using programmatic/nationwide permits; and providing and maintaining public safety. The proposed project will restore access and habitat on Mill Creek, a tributary to the East Fork Lewis River. The restoration of access to this tributary will contribute to recovery planning efforts outlined in the 2010 Washington Lower Columbia River Salmon Recovery and Fish & Wildlife Subbasin plan (LCFRB 2010). This plan contains a regional plan for the East Fork Lewis River Subbasin that describes the removal of fish passage barriers as a priority. The Lower Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead ESA Recovery Plan (NMFS 2013) identifies protecting habitat in the East Fork Lewis River as a priority and key to achieving recovery goals
