The Future of Olympia
Here is what I think Columbia Street’s future will look like. I think there will be extensive roadwork that will be costly for the city, hence the mitigation funding depiction. Businesses will have to relocate, likely to higher elevations in the south capitol, east side and west side neighborhood. Besides economic-related changes, there will physical and social changes too. My prediction is that sidewalks will slowly deteriorate with saltwater inundation and become home to vegetation.
Thinking about the future of my city makes me anxious. I feel a sense of dread that I can’t ignore. I am angry. I feel useless.
The future holds a grudge.
Maybe the worst part is that Olympians could start mitigating the effects now, but would rather sit back and “let ‘er burn”, because it’s easier that way. Reverting Capitol Lake back to an estuary is a prime example. Creating critical estuarine habitat and curbing lake overflow sound good me.
The time to address sea level rise is now. Not later. Not when it’s convenient.
I don’t want to see my city underwater.
#Sad
Click here to learn about estuary restoration
Click here to learn about Olmypia’s downtown strategy
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