At its July science panel meeting, Puget Sound Partnership staff reported steep declines in floating kelp beds in parts of the Sound, mixed air‑quality (PM2.5) trends and continued federal engagement including progress on Northwest Straits Commission reauthorization and advocacy work in Washington, D.C.

DNR staff proposed a tiered menu of federal engagement options — from sharing the council’s annual report to providing formal feedback on federal bills — and members agreed to begin by sharing the report and inviting congressional staff to engage with the council.

Staff told the Nov. 25 meeting that the Hampton Roads Alliance is coordinating federal outreach to the Department of Defense about surplus property including the Southgate Annex, and local staff are arranging a meeting with Naval Shipyard leadership and the shipyard community liaison.

County officials said DHS notified them it was analyzing purchase of a Williamsport property for a proposed ICE Baltimore processing facility, that DHS found ‘no historic properties affected,’ and that the county has no jurisdiction to stop federally owned projects; the county invited public comment.