Seattle City Council approves funding for Lower Duwamish Waterway cleanup efforts

A significant step towards environmental restoration was taken at the Seattle City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, as council members unanimously approved a bill aimed at the cleanup of the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund site. This ordinance empowers Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities to continue funding essential environmental investigations and remediation efforts.

Council member Hollingsworth, chair of the committee overseeing the bill, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "This is an ordinance relating to the Lower Duwamish Waterway that authorizes Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities to continue the cleanup." The bill passed with full support, reflecting a strong commitment to protecting both industrial lands and the environment.

The Lower Duwamish Waterway has been a focal point for environmental concerns, and this decision marks a crucial advancement in addressing the contamination issues that have long plagued the area. Council member Saka, whose district includes the site, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts leading to this vote.

As Seattle moves forward with these remediation efforts, the council's decision underscores the city's dedication to environmental stewardship and public health. The anticipated outcomes of this bill are not only vital for the local ecosystem but also for the communities that rely on the Duwamish Waterway.