Members of the Pierce County Council have announced the postponement of a series of meetings around the county to hear from residents about the proposed Shoreline Management Program. The delay is necessary in order to give the county more time to draft amendments to the proposal, among other reasons.

“We were all looking forward to listening to constituent concerns next month, but we’re committed to this process and the voice of the people will be heard,” said Council Chair Dan Roach. “This is one of the most important issues facing the county right now and we want to make sure we get it right the first time.”

The upcoming Shoreline Management Program meetings that are now postponed were originally scheduled for July 10 at North Lake Tapps Middle School, July 14 at Pacific Lutheran University, July 17 at Peninsula High School, and July 21 at the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma. Also suspended is the final plan adoption meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 29.

Residents who want to express their opinions to the Council can keep track of the latest information and be notified of rescheduled meetings by subscribing to the county’s Shorelines Mailing List.

Pierce County has been regulating development along rivers, lakes and marine waters for over 40 years. The existing program and development regulations were adopted in the early 1970’s. In 2003, the Washington State Legislature established a schedule for all counties and cities to update their programs.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is responsible for administering shoreline management at the state level in partnership with local government. Ecology’s website for shoreline management is located at: www.ecy.wa.govlprograms/sea/shorelines.