PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County Courthouse’s Romanesque, 113-year-old clock tower on Monday came a step closer to remaining upright for its second century instead of toppling down by forces of nature.
“I think the clock tower is going to have enough money [to be restored],” County Commissioner Phil Johnson, D-Port Townsend, said, referring to a proposed $2.4 million rehabilitation project to prevent the brick tower’s structural failure from high winds or an earthquake.
Commissioners unanimously approved a $99,410 grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for funding management, engineering, architecture, design and construction.
The commissioners on Monday also learned that the 24th District state lawmakers were seriously considering state funding for the project, after one of them, Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, inquired about the dollar amount needed.
The county asked the state to contribute $450,000.
“Representative Kessler’s request shows activity is moving forward,” said Johnson, who has testified before state lawmakers on the need to repair and shore up the 1892 clock tower.
Wind danger
The tower is in danger of being blown over by sustained winds of 70 mph or greater, county engineers have said.
The courthouse on a hill overlooking Admiralty Inlet at 1820 Jefferson St. was built for about $150,000 in 1892.
