The letter was obtained by Peninsula Daily News on Monday.
Mr. Dale Stedman, Chair
Mr. Doug MacDonald, Secretary
Department of Transportation
Transportation Commission
P.O. Box 47308
Olympia, WA 98504-7308
Dear Mr. Stedman and Mr. MacDonald:
I am writing in support of your continued efforts to find a positive path forward from the recent decision not to pursue the graving dock project on the site of the current project.
First, let me say I appreciate the sensitivity and care with which you have approached the very emotional and substantive issues related to this issue.
The tribal cultural and heritage interests, the economic development needs of the community and the tribe, and the maintenance needs of the Hood Canal Bridge are all very important considerations.
I share your belief that the interests of all parties must be addressed as a whole regardless of how difficult it may be, and I stand ready to assist you in this important challenge.
I understand the recent meeting between many of the parties was a positive move in this direction. As a way of ensuring continued progress I suggest the following next steps:
* 1. I request that several members of the Transportation Commission, along with department staff hold a second meeting with the parties who attended the recent meeting in the Port Angeles community. Other interested parties may also need to be included.
As with the previous meeting, the second one should be a group dialogue exchanging information and ideas, thereby furthering a common commitment to a positive path forward.
* 2. I further request that the commission keep me informed about the department’s activity to explore alternative sites for the graving dock project or parts of the project in the greater Port Angeles area as a way of keeping the economic potential of the project in the community.
* 3. I would appreciate a complete review and a subsequent report of how and why the archaeological assessment failed to identify the scope and magnitude of the remains and artifacts at the site.
Such a review should include assistance from the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, and would not only serve to further explain what happened, but also guide us in defining approaches to archaeological assessments for future projects. This review should be conducted soon and communicated to all parties.
I reiterate to you in this letter what I have suggested to you in private. Whichever path we pursue with regard to the project, we must not jeopardize the time frames for conducting the much needed maintenance activities on the Hood Canal Bridge.
This project must move forward in a timely manner. Failure to do so exposes the community to a great economic hardship.
Again, thank you for your dedication to finding solutions to these issues.
Christine O. Gregoire
Governor