Public Introduced to a Daylighted Stream that Supports Habitat and Community Growth
December, 2025
A collaborative effort between multiple municipalities and a multidisciplinary Otak team reached a significant milestone last week with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Miller Creek. Stakeholders from Port of Seattle, the Cities of Burien, and SeaTac, gathered alongside project leads to celebrate the completion of 1.4-acres of restored floodplain designed to enhance habitat for endangered salmon and reduce flooding for the surrounding community.
The project is just one piece of the Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA) where master planning set a vision for economic development near the growing regional airport. In addition to the green stormwater infrastructure and environmental enhancements, the design also opened the area to greater public recreation with access to the regional trail system.
About the Miller Creek Restoration
To support redevelopment of a 162-acre subarea near the expanding SeaTac International Airport, the restoration of Miller Creek improved stormwater capacity, natural habitat, and public use. By daylighting 900 linear feet of a stream that previously flowed through a failing pipe system, the project also adds protection for private property and downstream wetlands from runoff. The restored stream will now also provide important natural habitat for endangered salmon and other aquatic species by bringing it to the surface and removing other barriers to fish passage. These efforts contribute to broader efforts to restore the Puget Sound Watershed.
