(SEATTLE) – The Port of Seattle Commission approved a motion to restore a segment of Miller Creek in Burien and SeaTac as well as for the purchase of five portable noise monitors to be deployed in King County communities, including one on Vashon.

The Commission passed a motion covering both topics during their meeting on Nov. 19.

The Port of Seattle owns and operates 24 permanent noise monitors that measure noise levels from individual aircraft and keep track of noise levels over time. After community requests for additional noise monitors, the Port will purchase five more and establish a set of criteria for where they will be deployed.

The motion further provided for negotiation of an interlocal agreement to replace a culvert and create new fish habitat on Port property along Des Moines Memorial Drive. The project will relocate a deteriorating culvert near 144th St. with a new, larger culvert just south of the current location, protecting the roadway and improving fish passage.

The Port’s contribution helps to expand the project to create additional salmon spawning habitat on Miller Creek. The creek currently supports runs of Coho salmon and its restoration will contribute to regional efforts to recover Southern Resident orcas.

“This is a fantastic opportunity that creates needed infrastructure and environmental improvements in a watershed that is one of the few salmon-bearing creeks in our area,” said SeaTac Public Works Director William Appleton in a press release. “This project not only protects a sensitive environmental network but also creates a future opportunity for education and outreach for our local children about the need for Salmon-bearing streams.”