City Applies for Waterfront Improvement Grants

The City has successfully applied to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) for major grants to support improvements for the Luther Burbank Park waterfront. The grants from the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) and Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) would total $2 million if awarded. An additional $454,000 in grant funding will be sought this fall from the King County Flood Control District as match. The total estimate for this project scope is $3.2 million. This package is the cornerstone of the comprehensive waterfront improvements which include powerboat docks and the stabilization of the Boiler Building.

The project elements covered under these grants include:

Site access paths and ramps
An expanded cobble beach
A non-motorized boating dock with a low freeboard float
Overwater stairs
Renovated restrooms
A viewing deck/outdoor classroom
Drainage and low-impact development
Furnishings, signs, lighting and landscaping

These grant projects received support letters from the following organizations and individuals. Many thanks for the great show of support:

Friends of Luther Burbank Park
Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce
Mercer Island Community Fund
Mercer Island Historical Society
Washington Water Trails Association
Recreational Boating Association of Washington
Washington Kayak Club
Seattle Sea Kayaking Club
Seattle Adventure Sports
parent of paddle camp participant
parent of paddle camp participant
Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust

The applications have been a multi-step process that began in February 2022. The applications will undergo review at the end of August. A preliminary project ranking will be made public by the end of September. City Council will consider the project budget during its review of the Capital Improvement Program budget in October.