City Council looks at Seattle’s $4B plan for Skagit River Hydroelectric Project environmental improvements

The Seattle City Council’s parks and City Light committee has a whopper on its hands Wednesday afternoon as takes up an ordinance authorizing Mayor Katie Wilson to settle a legal battle and sign new licensing agreements for the city’s Skagit River Hydroelectric Project dams.

The agreements would set new agreements with tribes and organizations including the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, the Upper Skagit and Sauk-Suiattle tribes, and the National Park Service.

The agreements include a costly plan to haul juvenile salmon around the river impoundments and billions in capital improvements, agreements, restoration, and “other protection, mitigation, and enhancement costs,” including to the City Light presentation (PDF) on the ordinance.

The costs will mean City Light customers will see bills increase by 0.5% per year from 2027-2032.

The Skagit River Hydroelectric Project produces about 20% of the city’s power.

The new agreements are hoped to help restore the Skagit River watershed and support salmon recovery.

The $4 billion plan comes as Wilson has reversed course on her pick to lead City Light after union backlash.

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