PORT TOWNSEND — The city is closer to finalizing an easement for a regional stormwater facility that would encourage development along upper Sims Way.
The Port Townsend City Council has authorized City Manager John Mauro to execute a possession and use agreement for the final easement.
The city received a $1.2 million loan from the Community Revitalization Board in 2015, when council approved a resolution to allow the city manager to award and sign all contracts regarding the design and construction of the Rainier Street regional stormwater project.
When Mt. Townsend Creamery announced in January its intent to close, the city shifted its plans because it had been expecting the business to move to Rainier Street and become an anchor for the sub-area plan, which was approved last year.
Instead, the city authorized Mauro in February to submit an application to Jefferson County’s Public Infrastructure Fund for a grant to supplement the regional stormwater facility.
The grant was approved on March 2, and the city included it in an increase in the project’s budget. The purchase of the easement also was included along with the in-place alignment for about $35,000.
Once the easement is finalized, a pipeline will be constructed to serve the regional stormwater facility, which will be located off Mill Road just north of the Larry Scott Trail.
Council voted unanimously to authorize Mauro to secure the final easement.
Deputy Mayor David Faber said there are no plans to curtail or change the course of future city projects set to go into their construction phases later this year based on the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.
However, that may change as more information becomes available, Faber said.
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Jefferson County Reporter Ken Park can be reached by email at kpark@peninsuladailynews.com.
