Mayor Katie B. Wilson released the following statement on the landmark settlement with Tribes and federal agencies to guide the future of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, which will be referred next week to Seattle City Council for review and consideration:
“This marks a major milestone in the Skagit relicensing process. The settlement is an expression of Seattle’s commitment to safe, renewable energy. Through it, we are also committing to putting people first by respecting Tribal sovereignty and leadership, prioritizing flood risk management for downstream communities, and enhancing education and recreation opportunities. The Skagit ecosystem and the broader public will be better served because of this agreement achieved through years of collaboration.
Reaching this milestone wouldn’t be possible without an extraordinary team. Seattle City Light employees, all the signing organizations, environmental and engineering experts and the public all have had important roles in getting to this point. It is through everyone’s passion and hard work that we are one step closer to having a new operating license for one of our city’s most important sources of renewable energy.”