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State Parks hears detailed Westport Golf Links update as public split over environmental and economic trade-offs
Summary
Commissioners received an informational briefing on the Westport Golf Links proposal, the draft EIS comment response process, and recent litigation developments. Supporters highlighted jobs and expanded access; conservation groups warned of loss of rare interdunal wetlands and coastal risks. No decision was requested.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 29 heard a lengthy informational update on the Westport Golf Links proposal at Westport Light State Park, where developers and the city summarized the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) comment responses, permitting path and mitigation proposals while dozens of residents and organizations offered mixed public comment.
The commission received legal and technical briefings. Assistant Attorney General Joe Pinesco summarized recent litigation: a court ruling on Nov. 21 found that a prior settlement and attendant permits tied to an earlier private golf proposal were no longer binding on the property after State Parks’ 2015 acquisition; that decision removed several foundational legal obstacles for consideration of a new proposal but left the city and developer as defendants in ongoing claims. Pinesco warned that permit-stage appeals (for example, Shorelines Hearings Board challenges) remain likely and can add months to years to any schedule.
The developer and the city described the project as a…
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