Meetings planned Monday on graving yard issue in Port Angeles, Port Townsend

Discussions on the Hood Canal Bridge graving yard — whether the partially built one in Port Angeles or the proposed one in Port Townsend — will be held on Monday.

In Port Angeles, state Transportation Secretary Doug MacDonald will be accompanied by Transportation’s Olympic Region administrator, Randy Hain, and agency spokesman Lloyd Brown at public and private meetings.

The trio are scheduled to attend the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce’s noon luncheon at the Port Angeles CrabHouse Restaurant, 221 N. Lincoln St., where Hain and Brown are featured speakers.

They will meet privately at 2 p.m. with Mayor Richard Headrick, City Councilmen Grant Munro and Jack Pittis, and City Manager Michael Quinn at Port Angeles City Hall.

After meeting with Peninsula Daily News editors at the newspaper’s Port Angeles office at 4 p.m., the three are scheduled to attend a 6 p.m. session with union members from the project at the Carpenters & Pile Drivers Local 1303 meeting hall, 416 E. First St., Port Angeles.

MacDonald’s secretary Thursday confirmed that neither MacDonald nor any of the other Transportation officials is scheduled to meet with Lower Elwha Klallam tribal officials.

Also on Monday, Jefferson County commissioners meet at Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend, to discuss a letter of support for the Port of Port Townsend and Port Townsend Paper Corp. to bring the Hood Canal Bridge graving yard to Port Townsend.

Discussion of the matter is scheduled to begin at 10:45 a.m.

Newly sworn-in Democratic Commissioners David Sullivan and Phil Johnson will join carryover Commissioner Pat Rodgers, R-Brinnon, for their first meeting in office.

Port Executive Director Larry Crockett is expected to discuss the possibility of locating the graving yard on Port or paper mill property — or both.

The Port has until Jan. 10 to make a formal proposal to the Department of Transportation.

The state shut down construction of the graving yard in Port Angeles after Native American remains and artifacts were discovered on the waterfront property about 18 months ago.

Transportation is now entertaining new proposals from port districts statewide to relocate the graving yard, an onshore dry dock to build and float components for the Hood Canal Bridge’s east-half replacement, scheduled in 2007.

More in News

Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse at Fort Worden State Park, conducts a tour for interested visitors on Thursday. The lighthouse was built in 1878 when Congress approved $8,000 for the light and foghorns. Although the facility is still an active U.S. Coast Guard station, the equipment is monitored and operated remotely and no keepers are present. Regular tours on Saturdays and Sundays will resume in May. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Lighthouse tour

Dan Willis of Port Townsend, a docent at the Point Wilson Lighthouse… Continue reading

EMT Teresa DeRousie, center, was recognized for her long service to Clallam County Fire District 2. Presenting the award were Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Denton, left, and Chief Jake Patterson. (Clallam County Fire District 2)
Clallam 2 Fire Rescue hosts awards banquet

Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue recognized career and volunteer members during… Continue reading

Construction set to begin on new marine life center in Port Angeles

Groundbreaking event scheduled for April 8 at Pebble Beach Park

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory rower propels his craft in the calm waters of the Salish Sea. Whidbey Island is in the distance. Today’s high temperature is forecast to be in the low 50s with partly cloudy skies. Rain is set to return this weekend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Rowing on the Strait

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory… Continue reading

Fire protection may impact insurance rates

New protection class considers nuanced data

The view looking south from Hurricane Ridge, where variable winter weather has limited snow coverage and contributed to pauses in snow sports operations in recent weeks. (Washington’s National Park Fund)
Lack of snow has impact at Hurricane Ridge

Water equivalent well below average for February

Port Angeles secures grant to aid in salmon recovery

State Department of Commerce to provide city with $109,000

Tickets still available for United Way of Clallam County fundraiser

Pajamas are encouraged, teddy bears are optional and comfort… Continue reading

Interviews set for hospital board

At least seven candidates up for commissioner seat

Port Angeles asks for fee to cover lodging tax contracts

Resolution sent to committee for administrative costs

Climate action group is guiding reduction goals

Reduced emmissions require reduced transportation footprint