PORT ANGELES — A project to build an interpretive center and rest area overlooking the Elwha River will go back out to bid next week without one of its major components: a vault toilet.
Clallam County commissioners learned Tuesday that the toilet in the original design has been removed from the specifications to lower the cost.
The county road department received seven bids in December for the Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway Association facility along state Highway 112 and Lower Dam Road.
All seven bids came in well above the $145,000 estimated cost of construction.
By ditching the $75,000 vault toilet and using a portable toilet instead, county officials say the bids should fall within range.
“That one item should bring it down to our estimate,” Assistant County Engineer Joe Donisi told commissioners in a board work session.
The facility overlooking the former Elwha Dam site is funded by a $208,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration and a $77,000 county match.
A 30-foot-by-30-foot wooden structure will shelter a 16-panel kiosk that will describe the history of the Elwha River and its $325 million dam removal and restoration.
The interpretive center is a collaboration of the scenic byway association, the National Park Service and the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe.
“We do need a [toilet] facility there of some type, but it’s going to have to be something that’s a little less than the platinum-plated and just the basic needs,” County Engineer Ross Tyler said.
“Maybe we can fence it or do something that is a little more aesthetically pleasing than just a Sani-Can just sitting out in the middle of nowhere. But it just needs to be less expensive.”
No contractor submitted a proposal in the first round of bidding last summer because crews were tied up on other tasks.
Third time the charm?
“Maybe the third time’s the charm,” Tyler said.
Commissioners will consider a formal call for bids next Tuesday.
Elementary school students have painted 300 floor tiles for the Elwha River interpretative center.
The mini-rest stop will become a signature attraction along the 61-mile National Scenic Byway.
Veterans Center
Meanwhile, commissioners Tuesday approved a no-cost change order with Aldergrove Construction of Port Angeles extending the completion date of ongoing renovations to the Clallam County Veterans Center.
County Parks, Fair and Facilities Manager Joel Winborn said the extension was needed because of a delay in delivery of new doors.
“We’re extending it another 36 days just to be safe,” Winborn said.
The Veterans Center at 216 S. Francis St. in Port Angeles is getting new flooring, lighting, paint, kitchen cabinets and appliances, among other improvements.
The total cost of the project is $123,336.
Aldergrove Construction began the remodel after Veterans Day ceremonies last November.
________
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
