Protect Burley Lagoon from WSDOT

We are the Burley Lagoon Coalition.

WSDOT is studying the SR 302 corridor between, SR16 and the Key Peninsula Highway. the goal of WSDOT is to determine what alternatives they will carry forward to the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) , and ultimately determine which altenative route will be put into a Record Of Decision. Currently, the WSDOT is moving forward through the SEPA/NEPA scoping process with four alternatives for re-routing SR 302 located north of Gig Harbor, WA.

Two of the four remaining alternatives to be submitted into the EIS process include constructing bridges across Burley Lagoon. Two alternative routes circumnavigate the lagoon and meet commuter needs at far lower costs. Public comments must be received by WSDOT between Jan. 2, 2009 and Feb. 13, 2009 to be included in the NEPA/SEPA scoping report.

Based on a number of community open houses sponsored by WSDOT it is evident that these two bridge options are "very popular" by those currently serviced by the existing SR 302 corridor (especially commercial interests) and we sense that WSDOT and community business interests are possibly leaning in the irresponsible direction of adopting one of these two alternatives.

Burley Lagoon is home to a vibrant and diverse community of wildlife including spawning salmon, blue heron, bald eagles, golden eagles osprey, oysters, seals, otters as well as many various endangered/monitored fish species.

ACT NOW , please contact WSDOT and tell them you do not want a Bridge crossing over the Burley Lagoon.

The Mission of the Burley Lagoon Coalition is to find a SR302 Alternative that is:
* Environmentally friendly
* Safe to use
* Reduces congestion
* Inexpensive to maintain, operate and expand
* Likely to be built expeditiously
* Financially feasible Without Tolls

We are reaching out to like minded individuals and organizations to make them aware of our cause and to solicit suggestions for how best for to garner broader community support, ensuring that neither of these two bridge alternatives come to fruition.

Public comments must be received between Jan. 2, 2009 and Feb. 13, 2009 to be included in the scoping report. Comments will be addressed in the Scoping Summary Report available later this spring.

Any assistance spreading the word or advice on how best to proceed in our endeavor is greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards,
Murray Payne
Burley Lagoon Coalition
noburleybridge@gmail.com

The following is a hyperlink reference to this WSDOT project: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR302/NewCorridor/