Plans are in the works to get federal money to help fund the purchase of South Whidbey’s Deer Lagoon for an Island County Park.

Sen. Patty Murray announced last week that $600,000 in federal funds for the acquisition is in the pipeline.

“This is an important early step,” said Todd Webster, Murray’s press secretary.

The money is part of $34 million for salmon recovery, conservation and land acquisition programs in Washington that’s included in a Senate bill for fiscal year 2003.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the bill last Thursday. It will be considered by the full Senate later this year.

The site available for purchase is 379 acres south of Highway 525 in the Useless Bay area. The wetland provides habitat for more than 170 species of resident and migratory birds. According to Murray’s office, Island County plans to protect the land and create a park for public recreation use.

“The appraised value of the site is $2.7 million,” Webster said. “The seller is willing to sell for much less, about $1.7 million, making a substantial donation to the project.”

In addition, there is $800,000 available from a coastal wetland grant from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and some Island County matching funds.

Murray also said the Northwest Straits Commission will receive an extra $500,000 next year. That money will benefit the Island County Marine Resources Committee.