PORT ANGELES — Community leaders say they are worried about the future of the state Department of Transportation’s graving yard.
“The events are quite disturbing to everyone,” said Port Angeles Mayor Glenn Wiggins.
The future of the $17 million project has been unknown since the discovery of Native American remains shut down the site Aug. 26.
“I hope they play out OK so the (Lower Elwha Klallam) tribe’s sacred rights will be protected and at the same time things can move forward,” Wiggins said.
The graving yard, located east of the Daishowa America Ltd. mill, will be the site of an onshore dry dock where components for the Hood Canal Bridge will be built and is part of a $204 million project to replace the east portion of the aged bridge.
The project promised to bring about 100 family-wage jobs to Port Angeles and stimulate long-term economic development.
“I am disappointed and concerned,” said Clallam County Economic Development Council Executive Director Jim Haguewood.
“There is tremendous opportunity in the project and I hope we can still realize it.”
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