PORT TOWNSEND — City Council members approved a letter of support for bringing the Hood Canal Bridge graving yard project to Port Townsend after hearing a Port official’s presentation Monday night.
With Councilwoman Freida Fenn abstaining and Laurie Medlicott excused from the meeting, five council members voiced support for the idea with an amendment that all appropriate mitigation and public process guidelines would be explored.
Port of Port Townsend officials asked for the city’s support as part of the Port’s proposal to the state Department of Transportation.
About 18 acres of Port land inside the city limit, adjacent to Port Townsend Boat Haven and boat yard, is proposed for the graving yard site.
An additional 25.5 acres at Port Townsend Paper Corp. property just south of the city limit is also proposed the concrete-lined dry dock in which components for the aging Hood Canal Bridge’s eastern-half replacement would be constructed.
Concept approval
“I am satisfied. They gave us what we asked for — approval of the concept,” Port of Port Townsend Executive Director Larry Crockett said after the council vote Monday night.
Mayor Catharine Robinson will sign the letter to be enclosed in a proposal being put together this week by Port officials.
