KBKW Local News
"Grays Harbor is the site for the Pontoon Construction"
Wed, 05 Mar 2008 5:06:08 PST OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) _ Gov. Chris Gregoire said yesterday a new
floating bridge for State Highway 520 may be completed by 2014, two
years faster than previously projected.
The new timeline may save the state $500 to $700 million
in interest and inflation, slimming the project's budget from $4.3
to possibly $3.7 billion.
...
Monday March 3, 2008 WSDOT Secretary Paula J. Hammond speaking before the Senate Transportation Committee at about 2:10 PM said that “We have decided we can declare Grays Harbor is the site for the Pontoon Construction. By doing so we can build the pontoons a year sooner.”
She explained that they had identified a “Such as” place, which was Grays Harbor and would require the creativity of the contractors to see if there was a better place, but that would delay the project by at least a year. - The state doesn't have that year to spare for this project.
Hoquiam Mayor Jack Durney told us last night;
The current Highway 520 bridge across Lake Washington is one of
two connecting Seattle and its eastside suburbs.
The 44-year-old bridge is in danger of sustaining significant
damage, even collapse, during severe weather.
Via email
I would like to thank the Port of Grays Harbor commissioners and staff (particularly Gary Nelson and Leonard Barnes) who are 24/7 in their efforts to develope Port properties for the benefit of the community.
That little chunk of ground on the mouth of the Hoquiam River has seen a lot of disappointments from potential industrial developers over the years. But now it is an important part of our continuing efforts to turn Grays Harbor around. It is the combined efforts of a lot of community and state leaders who have helped to create new jobs and hope.
Aberdeen Mayor Bill Simpson agreed that the decision was good for all of Grays Harbor
The DOT is working with the Federal agencies and tribal groups to shave 6 months off the environmental process.
This way they can complete the 520 corridor 2 years early - by 2016 & the bridge by 2014.
Paula Hammond did not say when the pontoon construction would begin.
Senator Tim Sheldon asked about the sales tax deferral (5 years after the completion of the project.) He specifically asked if the pontoon sales tax would go to Hoquiam. The Senate Transportation Committee did not have an answer. One suggested that because of the new destination sales tax it would probably go to Seattle.
...
The state Department of Transportation shaved two years off the
previous bridge completion estimate of 2016 by moving the start of
pontoon construction to next year, and beginning construction on
improvements that don't depend on the new bridge being in place,
mostly intersections between Highway 520 and Interstates 5 and 405.
