Puyallup accepts $8.7 million state grant for four culvert replacements in Deer Creek watershed

Puyallup city staff and engineers told council the city will accept a Washington State Department of Ecology grant worth roughly $8.7 million to fund four culvert replacement and stream-restoration projects in the Deer Creek watershed and associated tributaries.

City Engineer Hans Hunger described the grant as primarily restoration-focused. He said the city has completed 30% design work for the culverts and plans to deliver the work in two construction phases covering two culverts on a Deer Creek tributary and two on the main stem, including replacements near 12th Street and 27th Street. Hunger said the replacements will aid fish passage and restore subsurface flows and noted some downstream crossings (East Main) remain undersized and will require additional work and probable acquisition.

Deputy Mayor Johnson sought details on whether the grant covers upfront or reimbursement scenarios and asked how many remaining culverts would still require replacement; staff estimated at least a dozen more older culverts citywide, with Deer Creek as the primary concentration. Hunger referenced the broader legal and treaty context that has prompted jurisdictions to address culvert barriers to fish passage.

Council voted to accept the grant and thanked staff and grants coordinators for the effort. Staff said Paul Maranen (stormwater engineering) and grants coordinator Jessica Johnson played major roles in securing the award; the city will move forward with procurement and phased construction planning.