PORT TOWNSEND — The transformation of a dilapidated building at Fort Worden State Park into Jefferson County’s educational epicenter is in the state Legislature’s hands.
Supporters are optimistic that the estimated $6.2 million project will get at least a partial subsidy.
“Nothing is certain at this point,” said Fort Worden area parks manager Kate Burke on Thursday.
“Although we think we will get something to move the project along.”
The plans are to turn the 20,000 square feet of now-empty space of Building 202 into a home for Peninsula College and Goddard College in East Jefferson County.
The facility would provide residents a place to earn four-year college degrees without having to travel outside the county.
The Senate capital budget includes $2.6 million for building renovations, while the project is not mentioned in the budgets submitted by the House or the governor.
“Our legislators are working very hard to make this happen,” Burke said.
“That it was in the Senate budget inserts it into the discussion, so we have a chance.”
“We will get something in between what is in the Senate and the House budgets,” said Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Sequim, who represents the 24th District, which covers Jefferson and Clallam counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
“But I think we will do pretty well,” Tharinger said.
If the $2 million comes through, the school will have almost enough to start the project, Burke said.
The project was estimated to cost $6.2 million in 2008. That would have equipped the center with seven classrooms, three faculty offices and three large student spaces.
The final cost could be considerably less, Burke said, since the project could be scaled down.
She also said the estimate was acquired before the economy crashed.
“There are a lot more people out of work now, so we might be able to get it done for less,” she said.
Currently, commitments exist from Peninsula College for $2 million and from the city of Port Townsend for $500,000, so an extra $2.6 million would give the project the green light, Burke said.
If allocated, the state money would become accessible in September.
It would take about a year after that to finish the planning and permitting and another year or so for construction, Burke said.
“We have an advantage because we are not starting from scratch,” she said.
“But it is a historic building, and you never know what you will find once construction starts.”
Peninsula College and Goddard College are currently shoe-horned into a 3,310-square-foot space.
The two levels of Building 202 would increase that amount by six times. It contains several small bedrooms that could be turned into offices and some large spaces.
The rugs are in shreds, and the ceiling is falling down in spots.
“This will need to be completely redone,” said Goddard College Director Erin Fristad, who has taken regular tours of the building to demonstrate its possibilities.
“But when you open the door and go out on the front balcony, you can really see what this can become.”
Fristad said the renovation will have a significant regional impact.
“This is essential to the future of Fort Worden and will generate significant revenue for Port Townsend,” she said.
“It expands the possibilities for the region, as Jefferson County is one of the few counties in the state that has no four-year colleges.”
Fristad said everyone who supports the project should make their feelings known to their legislator.
“We’ll know in a couple weeks how much this will get,” Tharinger said.
“But things are pretty positive at this point.”
________
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
