Homeland Security scales back space requirements for new North Olympic Peninsula office

Published 8:16 am Friday, September 14, 2007

PORT ANGELES – The federal Department of Homeland Security has scaled back its request for new office space in Clallam County.

Now the agency is seeking a five-year renewable lease for between 6,500 square feet and 8,000 square feet of existing office space or up to two acres of undeveloped property, with on-site parking for 14 vehicles.

The downsizing occurred after federal officials met with Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Belfair, on Tuesday, Dicks spokesman George Behan told the Peninsula Daily News.

Dicks’ 6th Congressional District includes the North Olympic Peninsula along much of the saltwater border with Canada.

“Norm had a briefing with several officials from Customs and Border Protection and Department of Homeland Security,” Behan said.

“Some people made a mistake on the size, and it was not consistent with what is there today,” he said.

“The direct statement was made that the announcement of a facility that large would be retracted and replaced with notice of a smaller facility consistent with the current plans,” Behan said.