RICHLAND, Wash. – The Walla Walla District Army Corps of Engineers plans on removing the causeway to Bateman Island and residents in the Tri-Cities area are upset about losing access to the park.
The plan aims to improve water flow and habitats for native fish in the Yakima River delta. The causeway prevents free-flowing water on the southern side of the island and impacts local salmon populations.
The final feasibility report for the Yakima Delta Ecosystem Restoration Project, released on October 28, emphasized that tearing down the causeway is seen as the optimal solution. However, the removal raises significant concerns for those who use the land access for recreation.
The causeway serves as the only land access to Bateman Island, and without it, access will be limited to boaters, swimmers, and those wanting to float over. This has left many residents upset.
Scott Woodward, a lifelong Tri-Cities resident, enjoys spending time at Bateman Island and has been using the park to help his wife recover after a recent surgery.
“I totally favor the idea of some kind of culvert and flow so people can still have reasonable non-motorized access on that island,” Woodward said. “People go out there and fish. People like us just like to go out there and walk, and see the wildlife.”
Woodward says many residents in the Tri-Cities will miss access to Bateman Island.
“You can come down here on any given sunny day and see how many people are going out there,” Woodward said.
The estimated cost for the causeway removal is around $13.2 million. The Army Corps will cover $10 million, while the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife will be responsible for the remaining $3.2 million.
Jade Murphy, another Tri-Cities resident, shared how the park plays an essential role in their routine.
“Pretty upset because I’m autistic and so that’s one of my special interests. It’s just exploring like nature and such. So it’s upsetting,” Murphy said.
Murphy says the island provides a lot of opportunities for the public to enjoy.
