County grants funding to city of Sammamish for Zaccuse Creek culvert work

The city of Sammamish came into some money earmarked for design work regarding the replacement of a city-owned culvert along Zaccuse Creek, a potential spawning ground for Lake Sammamish’s rare freshwater fish.

By Megan Campbell • February 3, 2016 7:39 pm
Sammamish resident Wally Pereyra stands next to the city-owned culvert under East Lake Sammamish Parkway
Sammamish resident Wally Pereyra stands next to the city-owned culvert under East Lake Sammamish Parkway

The city of Sammamish came into some money earmarked for design work regarding the replacement of a city-owned culvert along Zaccuse Creek, a potential spawning ground for Lake Sammamish’s rare freshwater fish.

King County awarded the city a $157,400 grant, Deputy City Manager Lyman Howard said at the Jan. 12City Council study session.

The city-owned culvert, located under East Lake Sammamish Parkway, is one of three the rare kokanee salmon must pass to reach the breeding grounds of Zaccuse Creek.

Zaccuse does not currently support kokanee, as the culverts do not function properly and clog the route.

The county, which owns the other two culverts, will likely replace them in the coming years, David St. John,coordinator and chair of the Lake Sammamish Kokanee Work Group, previously told the Reporter.