U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Tacoma, has announced federal funding for the Seahurst Beach Restoration project in Burien.

“Seahurst Park serves as a key location for research, education and recreation in Puget Sound and I’m happy the Army Corps has prioritized its restoration with funding support,” Smith said. “This project will
The Seahurst Phase II Ecosystem Restoration Project is the second phase of a partnership effort between the city of Burien and the Army Corps to remove and reduce the impact of bulkheads to the nearshore and restore shoreline in Puget Sound."

Completion would result in the largest nearshore restoration in the area and will renovate beach habitat to protect endangered wildlife.

Each year, Seahurst serves as an outdoor classroom to researchers and more than 10,000 students who receive environmental education about the beach and shoreline restoration efforts. The project is endorsed by the Puget Sound Partnership and has significant support from the scientific and academic community within Washington state.

The funding for the Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters Restoration Program is included in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ work plan for fiscal year 2012, which was provided to Congress this week.

For more information on the Seahurst Phase II Ecosystem Restoration Project, visit http://www.BurienWA.gov/SeahurstPark.