The Pierce County Public Works Department will use this grant to extend an elevated pedestrian overpass over the Burlington Northern-Sante Fe railroad, which separates the beach from the uplands in University Place. This project will provide public access to more than 2 miles of Puget Sound shoreline that has not been open to the public for more than 100 years. The county will build two sets of stairs to provide direct access to the beach. The beach is on a small portion of a beautifully reclaimed former gravel mine that offers views of the islands, the Olympic Mountains, south Puget Sound, and the Chambers Creek properties. The overpass will provide the only public access to this beach other than by boat. The closest public beach is 3.2 miles south of this project and is separated by Chambers Bay. Pierce County will contribute $750,000 in cash and federal funding. (08-1210)