The City of Gig Harbor will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Donkey Creek and Estuary restoration project next week.

At nearly 13 acres, this project will restore the creek and create new estuary to create a fish friendly habitat and provide opportunities for the public to view and enjoy the beautiful harbor estuarine environment. Once the project is completed, there will be a walking path that connects the newly constructed Austin Estuary Park with Donkey Creek Park along the restored estuary and stream behind the Harbor History Museum.

Two federal grants were secured for the $3.7 million project: nearly $1.5 million from the 2010 Transportation and Housing & Urban Development Appropriations Bill, and $800,000 from the 2009 Interior Appropriations Bill.

The City of Gig Harbor, in partnership with the Harbor History Museum, looks forward to promoting public education regarding the benefits of environmental preservation and providing a beautiful destination point to attract visitors and enhance connectivity to support the local economy.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Mon., Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. at the Harbor History Museum, 4121 Harborview Drive, in Gig Harbor. A private reception will follow the groundbreaking. More information is online here and here.