SEATTLE – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is now accepting comments on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) determination for a project to replace the Elliott Bay Fishing Pier and restore public fishing access on the Seattle Waterfront.

The public can view the SEPA determination and updated project design on WDFW’s SEPA webpage. Comments may be submitted online or by emailing ElliottBayFishingPierRepl@PublicInput.com. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2025.

The existing fishing pier was built in 1980 and has been closed since 2016 due to safety concerns. WDFW is proposing to build the new pier within the footprint of the current pier to minimize environmental impacts. Planned amenities include benches, fishing rod holders, fish cleaning stations, and shore power electrical outlets for squid fishing lights. Refer to the Elliott Bay Fishing Pier webpage for more information.

The updated design incorporates feedback received during an initial public comment period and webinar in late 2024 as well as input from consultations with area Native American tribes.

The project proposes to remove approximately 0.6 acres of tire piles from around the pier to support environmental mitigation and habitat improvement. WDFW is also exploring partnerships to remove additional tire piles in the area. More information on tire piles in Puget Sound is available from a Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) webpage.

“For decades, the Elliott Bay Fishing Pier provided recreational access that connected the city of Seattle with Puget Sound, from jigging for squid to casting a line for salmon or lingcod,” said Brendan Brokes, WDFW’s North Puget Sound Regional Director. “While we don’t yet have funding to construct the new fishing pier, we’re excited to share the updated design and are committed to keeping this important project moving forward.”

The WDFW-managed Elliott Bay Fishing Pier is located on the Seattle Waterfront adjacent to the Port of Seattle’s Centennial Park and Elliott Bay Trail north of the Pier 86 grain terminal.

WDFW continues coordinating closely with engineering firm Reid Middleton as well as the Port of Seattle and the Elliott Bay Connections project team. Additional project review and permitting by the City of Seattle, WDFW Hydraulic Project Approval, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other state and federal aquatic resources regulators is underway.

The ongoing project to design the new Elliott Bay Fishing Pier is funded in part by a $1.7 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. WDFW expects to finalize the design for the new fishing pier in late 2025.

The Department requested $15 million from the Washington State Legislature during the 2025 legislative session for construction of the new pier as part of WDFW’s Capital Budget request.

Unfortunately, despite WDFW’s request and support from local legislators, the Elliott Bay Fishing Pier project was not funded in the state budget for the 2025-2027 biennium. WDFW continues to explore future opportunities for construction funding.

WDFW manages more than 1 million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for wildlife and people.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.