Habitat Restoration Incentives for Major Infrastructure Projects

Abstract

Major infrastructure projects constitute the undertaking by an agency or organization to develop large-scale projects that provide integral public services. As proponents of major infrastructure projects contemplate future efforts, they should consider habitat restoration at the onset of the project. Three case study projects located in Washington State are used to explore the incentives for including habitat restoration as part of major infrastructure projects: the Elliott Bay Seawall Project, the State Route 520 Bridge Replacement and High-occupancy Vehicle Program, and the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan. Review of these case study projects shows that the habitat restoration component of these project was instrumental in increasing public support, streamlining regulatory review, saving money, and providing opportunities for innovation.