PORT ANGELES — Formal negotiations may begin in early March regarding Tse-whit-zen and the former Hood Canal Bridge graving yard, Gov. Chris Gregoire’s chief of staff said Friday.
Tom Fitzsimmons visited Port Angeles to confer with parties to the discussions and prepare them for Monday’s arrival of mediator John Bickerman.
Bickerman will “meet and greet” them in what Fitzsimmons called “an intake mode.”
That stage will last through February while the mediator explores issues among the state, local governments, labor groups and the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe.
Fitzsimmons said he was encouraged by his talks with officials of Clallam County and the city and port of Port Angeles.
“I found a great deal of hope and commitment to approach this with an open mind,” he said after meeting county Commissioner Mike Doherty, D-Port Angeles.
“My mission today was to interact with the city and the county and the port,” Fitzsimmons said, “to inform people, to provide my own insight of the memorandum of understanding and the negotiation process.”
In the memorandum, Gregoire and Lower Elwha Chairwoman Frances Charles agreed to the negotiations that will include the future of the Port Angeles waterfront.
“Generally, I think my mission was accomplished,” Fitzsimmons said.
“We’re on good footing here to take the next step.”
