Julia's Gulch

In the Study Session today we learned more details about an innovative partnership that will preserve a bit of local greenspace. The Port, City of Tacoma, and Cascade Land Conservancy are joining forces to save a 31 acre portion of land in NE Tacoma known as Julia’s Gulch. The Port is providing most of the money, with the City assisting and paying yearly wastewater fees, and the CLC will manage the stewardship of the property.

The cost breakdown for the $2 million purchase is as follows:

• $1.7 million from the Port of Tacoma
• $245,558 a NOA grant won by the Port
• $300,000 from the City of Tacoma’s Open Space Fund

In addition, the City will provide $6,000 in initial funds to the CLC for stewardship and pay the yearly storm water fees. The continued stewardship will be aided by an endowment set up by the Port, and the agreement for stewardship with the CLC is perpetual unless all parties agree to change the terms.

The Port will also be purchasing a 36 acre parcel to the north of Julia’s Gulch known as Storey Pit. Six acres of this property will be developed, but the remaining 30 will be held as open space.

Not a bad deal for the city. Now if only we could collaborate this well on other problems…

Link to The News Tribune’s story