PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved going out to bid for a repair project on Undi Road as long as rights of way and permits are successfully acquired.
The board also intends to approach Clallam County, the state of Washington and the federal government for financial support for the projected $864,000 construction project, though this is not a condition to proceeding on the work. The project’s overall cost is estimated to come in at more than $1 million.
The 0.8-mile stretch of Undi Road on the north bank of the Bogachiel River was severely damaged during fall and winter storms.
It is now reduced to one barely navigable lane as the county has sought to begin construction.
Those behind the washout line include nine elderly long-term residents on five properties and four members of the Moss Milk Collective.
With the bids advertised in early July, construction could begin mid-August with completion before the rainy season, according to Jefferson County Public Works Director Monte Reinders.
For the second consecutive week, Reinders briefed the commissioners in a 90-minute session Monday.
The commissioners were considering two options, to halt construction and abandon the project or continue in order to maintain momentum, which Reinders favored.
Commissioners Kathleen Kler and Phil Johnson voted to enter the bid process while Commissioner David Sullivan was opposed because he said to proceed would endanger projects that affect a larger number of people.
“I don’t know how long we can continue borrowing from ourselves,” Sullivan said.
The road is damaged at milepost 1.1.
According to the approved resolution, an alternate route will be constructed that will follow existing Department of Natural Resources (DNR) roads for approximately 1.3 miles, at which point a new road will be constructed for approximately 0.9 miles and connect with Undi Road beyond the washed-out area.
Reinders reported that DNR rights of way will cost the county $138,500 with a private parcel’s acquisition authorized at $36,000.
Any delay would postpone completion until 2017 with further delays possible if the county spends too much time seeking outside funds, Reinders said.
“We need to get the ball rolling,” County Administrator Philip Morley said at an afternoon workshop meeting Monday.
“If we postpone this until next year, I don’t think the money will be any different and the residents will still lose access.
“If by that time we haven’t found any partners, we are still on the hook to do the whole thing ourselves.”
As the bid process proceeds, the board intends to approach Clallam County Commissioner Bill Peach; state Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Sequim; Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark; and U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, with requests for financial support.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
