LA CENTER — The first phase of a major project to restore habitat along the East Fork Lewis River is nearing completion. The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership began work in April on the $15 million project , which covers a 3-mile stretch along the river just north of Daybreak Regional Park.

The river’s low levels enabled workers to complete almost 75 percent of the work earlier than expected, said Brandon Farmer, senior project manager for Tapani Inc., Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership’s contractor on the job.

Before the first shovel could break ground, Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership spent 10 years planning, completing design work, writing grant applications, obtaining various permits, and coordinating with local residents, county and state government and nonprofit groups.

The g

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