EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the last in a three-part series on Washington Alder’s controversial plans to build an alder sawmill in Port Angeles.
MOUNT VERNON — The Washington Alder sawmill in Mount Vernon had a swift development process, uneventful permitting, only one minor air quality violation years ago — and no community complaints, say state and local officials.
“The entire project went through the permitting process with no hurdles or roadblocks,” said Don Wick, executive director of the Economic Development Association of Skagit County.
“The whole process was smooth.”
From the beginning, Wick added, the alder sawmill was seen as a great project — one that provides good-paying jobs.
The sawmill, which opened in April 1999, is located on 21.4 industrially-zoned acres at the corner of state Highway 20 and Farm to Market Road, between Mount Vernon and Burlington.
The plant is similar to one that a new division of Washington Alder has proposed on 113-acres near William R. Fairchild International Airport in west Port Angeles.
A group of homeowners who live near where the $23 million sawmill would be built object to the project because of fears about heavy traffic, its nearness to Dry Creek School, noise and its impact on the environment.
Supporters at the Clallam County Economic Development Council say the new mill would be an economic boost for Port Angeles — 95 employees, $5 million payroll, an average wage of $17.75 an hour with full medical benefits and 401(k).
‘It’s good for the economy’
Located in an agricultural and industrial area, Washington Alder’s Mount Vernon sawmill has few residential neighbors.
Its closest is also the company’s landlord.
The sawmill sits on leased property owned by Norm Dahlstedt, who lives across Farm to Market Road.
Dahlstedt said he is happy with the sawmill as both a neighbor and a tenant.
“It’s good for the economy, it brings jobs,” he said.
“I hear more noise from [nearby] Highway 20, and there’s more traffic from the dump.
“The property is industrial and agricultural, so you need 40 acres to build a home anyway.”
Dahlstedt said he was surprised to learn that some Port Angeles residents have reacted negatively to the proposed sawmill — especially given the need for good-paying jobs on the North Olympic Peninsula.
“I thought they would welcome it,” he said.
