$4 million project to improve Kennewick’s Clover Island begins this week

Construction is ready to begin on a $4 million project at Clover Island in Kennewick.

Plans call for extending the walking trail from the lighthouse along part of the north edge of the island, adding benches, safety lighting and landscaping.

And three viewpoints are planned.

The project also will help four species listed as endangered — upper Columbia River spring-run chinook salmon, upper Columbia River steelhead, middle Columbia River steelhead and bull trout.

A shallow water bench will be built to help out-migrating juvenile, and wetlands will be developed along part of the shore to benefit not only salmon, but also other wildlife and aquatic species.

Stabilizing and restoring the island’s north and east shorelines and extending the Clover Island Riverwalk will improve fish habitat, beautify the Columbia River shoreline, expand recreational opportunities and support future economic development, according to the Port of Kennewick.

The 16-acre island is between the cable and blue bridges.

The cost of the work will be shared between the Army Corps and the Port of Kennewick, with funding also contributed by the city of Kennewick, Benton County and a Washington state grant.

Starting Monday Oct. 25 the Willows trailhead parking lot next to Clover Island and the Lighthouse Plaza gravel lot on Clover Island will be closed as the contractor on the project readies for restoration of the Clover Island shoreline.

Several other lots on Clover Island will remain open for public parking throughout construction, which is expected to be done by spring 2022.