September 14, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting Highlights

Official minutes available once approved by board

Full Audio Transcript
Dredge plan supported
The board voted to join a declaration of cooperation in support of the “Mouth of the Columbia River Regional Sediment Management Plan.” The document was prepared by the Lower Columbia Solutions Group with funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency and states of Oregon and Washington and draws on several years’ worth of research. It lays out a long-term strategy for handling the approximately 4 million cubic yards of river sediment dredged from the mouth of the river each year for maintenance of the shipping channel and protecting navigation structures, beaches and other resources while minimizing impacts on fisheries protected species.
The plan recommends establishing four new near-shore disposal sites for the dredged material to combat erosion that threatens the jetties at the river mouth and nearby beaches. It also calls for a regional planning approach and integrated regulatory oversight among the various involved entities.

Zoning application remanded
The board voted to remand a zone-change request back to the county planning commission for further review. The application, from Michael Benesch, Warrenton Fiber Co. and Waldo Veelle, seeks to rezone a 13-acre property on Dolphin Road near Warrenton from Residential Agriculture-5 to Light Industrial and Natural Uplands and transfer two “density credits” to a yet-to-be determined location.
A review by the county’s land-use counsel raised concerns about the application’s consistency with county land-use code and standards. The applicants are now considering a partition in order to meet the requirements.

Board amends counsel contract
The board approved an amendment to the county’s labor counsel services contract, increasing the budgeted not-to-exceed amount from $15,000 to $55,000 for the 2011-12 fiscal year. The increase covers unanticipated costs of defending a grievance brought by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2746 on behalf of a former county employee, a building inspector. The case was heard by an arbitrator who on Sept. 5 rejected the grievance.
County Manager Duane Cole told the board that the grievance charged the county with firing the employee as a retaliatory measure stemming from the development of new flood-plain building rules in 2010. The ruling confirmed the county’s claim that the lay-off was solely the result of budgetary considerations. “We feel good about this decision since it reflects core county values and the excellent employment relations we support,” he said.
Money to cover the increase will come from the Building Codes budget to be adjusted at the end of the fiscal year.

Other Business
In other business the board:
-Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation for the agency to provide free of charge to Clatsop County up to $150,000 worth of preliminary engineering and design work for the planned improvements to the Wahkiakum Ferry landing at Westport.
-Approved a proposal of the Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families to take on the task of distributing $30,000 in county funds to local non-profit social service agencies. The board had previously disbursed the dollars through an annual application and review process.
-Approved a proclamation recognizing National Preparedness Month, established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
-Appointed Joyce Stuber to the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority.
-Appointed Kathy Kleczek to the Northwest Area Commission on Transportation.

Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 325-1000 ext. 1312

Clatsop County Sheriff And Rural Law Enforcement Advisory Committee To Host Public Meetings September 20, 2011

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011

SHERIFF, RURAL LAW COMMITTEE HOST PUBLIC MEETINGS

The Rural Law Enforcement District Advisory Committee is hosting the first in a series of public meetings on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at the St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 79441 Hwy 101 in Arch Cape.
The Sheriff’s Office along with the RLED panel is seeking public input in developing the Sheriff’s Office Strategic Plan for 2012 through 2017. The plan is used to guide the operations of the Sheriff’s Office with an emphasis on the following areas: Strengths, Weaknesses, Challenges and Opportunities. The intent is to develop a list of guiding strategies that then allow the Sheriff’s Office to develop specific actionable tasks or policies.
This is an opportunity for the public to provide input in regards to how the Sheriff’s Office is doing its job now, where they would like to see their Sheriff’s Office in the future and how do we get there. The meeting will include a briefing on how the Sheriff’s Office has performed on the current strategic plan. You can visit the County’s Website at http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ and go to the Sheriff’s page to view the current strategic plan.
The Sheriff will also provide a briefing on current activity levels and crime statistics. We are excited about our expanded ability to provide meaningful information from the Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System the Sheriff’s Office transitioned to earlier in the year. We will also discuss jail proposals and outline the issues that the jail faces currently. We will be asking for public input of the various proposals.
If you are unable to make this meeting there will be more opportunity, as the Sheriff’ s Office intends to conduct further meetings in Jewell/Elsie, Lewis and Clark, Clatsop Plains/Gearhart and Knappa/Svensen/Westport areas throughout the fall and winter to seek additional input on the Strategic Plan and jail proposals.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Astoria Beating Murder Suspect, Christopher Scott Fitzhugh Gets 30 Years!

by David Krough and KGWNews
kgw.com
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Updated today at 10:14 AM

ASTORIA, Ore. -- The fiancée of a 42-year-old Astoria woman was sentenced to 30 years in prison Tuesday for beating her to death.
Investigators found Evelyn M. Decker unresponsive at a home in the Emerald Heights neighborhood of Astoria in July of 2010.
Police arrested 40-year-old Christopher Scott Fitzhugh for assault and manslaughter.
The district attorney’s office said they believed it was domestic violence. His sentencing charge Tuesday was declared murder-by-abuse.

Read KGW Report, View Video Report!

Should You Join A Union? Are They Still Necessary?

Should You Join a Union?
Written by: Jean Scheid • Edited by: Michele McDonough

Updated Jul 26, 2011

BrightHub.com
Many youngsters fresh out of college wonder if joining a union is a good or bad idea. Truth be told, there are pros and cons to joining a union and many economic experts say unions are one of the reasons America is in so much financial trouble. Jean Scheid offers a bold insight on unions.
Union Perspectives

The American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations aka AFL-CIO tells us right off why we need a union on their website. Although the one paragraph they provide doesn’t seem like it says it all, what it does say is that “Union members earn better wages and benefits than workers who aren’t union members.” And “…Union workers’ wages are 30 percent higher…” and “68 percent of union workers have pensions…” and finally, “Unions help employers create a more stable, productive workforce...................

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Food Handler Class Offered By Clatsop County Environmental Health

Friday, Sept. 9, 2011

FOOD HANDLER CLASS OFFERED MONDAY, SEPT. 12

Whether you are an employee in a restaurant or someone who cooks for the community spaghetti feeds, oyster feeds, or pancake breakfasts, knowledge of basic food safety is critical to providing safe food and a food handler card is required for the protect and health of the people in our community.
Clatsop County Environmental Health is offering a Food Handler Class on Monday, Sept. 12 from 7 to 8 p.m. to anyone 13 or older. The class will be held at Clatsop Community College South Campus, 1475 Roosevelt in Seaside.
The local class not only provides the certified food handler card required for food service workers, but is also an opportunity to interact informally with a county Environmental Health inspector to better understand the reasons behind food safety rules. The class will cover safe food handling practices, proper cooking and temperature control that prevents the growth of bacteria, how individually we can better prevent the spread of foodborne diseases, plus ways to maintain a clean, safe food service work environment.
A fee of $10 is to be paid the night of the class. No pre- registration is required. A form of ID is required for review. For additional information call Clatsop County Public Health (503) 325-8500, or log on to the Public Health page on the Clatsop County website, http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Clatsop County Hires Hiller West As New Principal Planner At Transportation And Development Services Planning Division!

Friday, Sept. 9 2011

COUNTY NAMES HILLER WEST NEW PRINCIPAL PLANNER

Clatsop County has hired Hiller West as the new principal planner for the Transportation and Development Services Department-Planning Division. He will start his new job Sept. 12.
Hiller, of Shoreline, Wash., most recently worked as community development director for the city of Monroe, Wash., a position he held for nine years. He also served as planning director in Buckley and Mukilteo, Wash. and as a planner with Pierce County and Grays Harbor County, Wash. One of his earliest positions was as a coastal planner for the Columbia River Estuary Study Task Force (CREST) in 1986-87.
As principal planner West will coordinate long-range and multi-partner projects for the Planning Division, as well as review specific project applications.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Urgent! 5:00 PM Today, September 8, 2011, Deadline If You wish To Serve On County Board Of Tax Appeals!!!

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR TAX APPEAL PANEL
The Clatsop County Board of Commissions is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving on the County Board of Property Tax Appeals for the 2011–12 term.
The Board of Property Tax Appeals hears petitions from taxpayers seeking to decrease their real market or assessed property values. The board also considers requests to excuse penalties or late filings of real or personal property returns.
Applicants must be residents of Clatsop County, but cannot be employees of the county or of any tax district within the County. The Board of Commissioners makes appointments to a pool, from which the County Clerk selects three people to serve on the Board of Property Tax Appeals. Training is provided. The committee holds several daytime meetings beginning the first Monday in February to hear petitions. The committee adjourns no later than April 15, 2012, with the term ending June 20, 2012.
Application forms for the appointments are available online here or contact the Clatsop County Manager’s Office, 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, Astoria, OR, (503) 325-1000.
Applications must be completed and turned in by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011 to be considered.

It's Official:Ruby Pipeline Cuts Ribbon For 680 Mile Link From Wyoming To Malin, Oregon!

McClatchy - Seeking Alpha.com

September 2, 2011

Sept. 02--El Paso Corp. will cut the ribbon today on its newest pipeline, a 680-mile, 42-inch diameter behemoth built to carry vast quantities of Rockies natural gas from the Opal hub in Wyoming to Malin, on Oregon's border with California.
The $3.5 billion project, which started shipments in late July, opens at a time when demand growth and prices have collapsed from the heady levels when it was conceived. In the short term at least, that's likely to keep gas shipments well below the pipe's capacity of 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day, and crimp profits accordingly.

Read Full Article

On The Matter Of Brent Foster Versus Oregon State Bar

Oregon State Bar declares no criminal wrongdoing on the part of Foster in their findings and issuance of a 30 Day Suspension in its "Stipulation For Discipline" for violating OSB-RPC 8.4(a)(3) Rules of Professional Conduct

"This matter having been heard upon The Stipulation for Discipline entered into by "The Accused" and "Oregon State Bar" and good cause appearing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the stipulation between the parties is approved and the accused is suspended for 30 days for violation of RPC 8.4(a)(3), the sanction to be effective the day after "The Stipulation for Disciplne is approved.

Dated: September 2, 2011

Signed By:

William Crow

State Disciplinary Board Chairman

Carl W. Hopp

Region 1

Disciplinary Board Chairman"

Read Full Findings And Disciplinary Action

Medicare Fraud Strike Force Takes Down 91In $295 Million False Billings!!!

HHS.com
September 7, 2011
Contact: HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343
Medicare fraud strike force charges 91 individuals for approximately $295 million in false billing
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that a nationwide takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in eight cities has resulted in charges against 91 defendants, including doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $295 million in false billing.
Attorney General Holder and Secretary Sebelius were joined in the announcement by FBI Executive Assistant Director Shawn Henry, Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HHS Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson.

Read Full Report

Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners September 14, 2011 Regular Meeting Agenda Preceeded at 9:30 AM By Executive Session

Read Full Agenda Packet

Clatsop County:Proposed Property Re-Appraisal - Frequently Asked Questions

Property Re-Appraisal

The Clatsop County Assessment and Taxation Department is conducting a full re-appraisal of the whole county over the next few years. The reappraisal is starting in the northeast corner of the county to include Westport towards East Astoria.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a re-appraisal? – This is when the appraisers physically inspect every property within a designated area to determine the physical condition and accuracy or county records of the land and all improvements on each parcel of property. This includes measuring buildings, notating type, class and condition of all improvements, and verifying quality and age (depreciation) of each improvement – both exterior and interior.

Why are you doing a re-appraisal? – Based on Oregon Revised Statutes and Department of Revenue Rules and guidelines, the Assessment and Taxation Department is required to properly assess the value of all land and improvements. Since the passage of Ballot Measure 50, this has been and continues to be primarily completed by sales ratio analysis or mass appraisal procedures. To ensure that the appraisal process is done correctly, the appraisal department needs to verify the addition and destruction/deletion of improvements as well as the condition of improvements, which can only be done by physical inspection. We want to make sure that every property has been properly valued by obtaining the Real Market Value (RMV). If your garage has not been maintained and is falling apart, but we show on record that it is in great condition, then we need to correct the value and condition.

Will my taxes change due to re-appraisal? – Your taxes are limited to change by an approved vote in 1997 on Measure 50, which was a constitutional amendment limiting tax increases to 3 percent, with certain exceptions pertaining to omitted property or remodeling (not general maintenance). The re-appraisal will generally not have any impact on your taxes unless your property has an exception. Please note that we are only appraisers and looking for the value of the property, we are not qualified to determine if there are building or code violations nor do we work in that capacity.

Do I have to let the appraiser in my home? – Actually, you do not have to let the appraiser in your home. In the event that the appraiser cannot obtain interior access or if not allowed interior access, the appraiser will ask for permission to complete an exterior appraisal. If denied then the appraisal will be completed from the closest public right of way. In the event there are children with no adult present, the appraiser will leave a door hanger or card and immediately leave the property. At this point the appraiser will complete the appraisal from the public right of way. Without the ability to measure or view the improvement, then the appraisal will be completed based on the appraiser’s best judgment. Without the ability to view the improvements, we do not give you the benefit of the doubt for condition or quality that cannot be verified.

What if I work during the day or no one is ever home? – Then the appraiser can either make an appointment during the county work hours to view the property or the appraiser will have to complete the appraisal based on the appraiser’s best judgment.

How do I know if the appraiser has already seen my home? – All appraisers use bright yellow door hangers that will be placed on what the appraiser deems as the front door. If the gate is locked and the appraiser can’t get to the front door, it will be placed on the gate. The door hangers specifically state if the appraiser does or does NOT need additional information.

How do I know it is a county appraiser and not someone claiming to be the county appraiser? – All county appraisers are driving county cars with the county logo on the doors. Each appraiser is required to carry visibly their county-issued identification badge. Additionally, the appraisers should have a business card and/or prepared yellow door hangers. Please ask to view these items if ever in doubt.

What if I disagree with the values? – In most cases the values will not change your taxes. If you still want to review the values, you are welcome to contact an appraiser during county hours in person or via phone to address your concerns of value. If you are still not satisfied, you always have the right to file an appeal with the Board of Property Tax Appeals.

Audio Transcript Of CCBofC Special Work Session August 25. 2011

Listen To Audio Transcript

Clatsop County Genealogical Society Presents Free Genealogy Fair, Saturday, September 10, 2011 At Seaside's Bob Chisholm Community Center

Free Genealogy Fair

Do you know your own history?You have a chance to attend a FREE Genealogy Fair scheduled for next Saturday, September 10th beginning at 10:30 AM in the Bob Chisholm Community Center in Seaside.Lots of wonderful opportunities!The featured speaker, Barbara Clark, speaking at 10:30, will discuss dating old family photographs: there will be a silver Tea following, information tables relating to Ancestry.com, the Family Tree Maker Program and the Legacy program, all designed to help you trace your family tree, plus a table with family heirlooms. The tables and information will be available all afternoon until 4 PM, so drop by or spend the day. If you like history, you'll learn how you can discover your own family history at this event sponsored by the Clatsop County Genealogical Society... Plus everyone attending will be get a ticket and a chance to win a subscription to Ancestry.com! Open and free to the public, bring friends who like history

From IBT: The Ten Reasons Rick Perry Is Too Extreme To Win

Ross Perot, A Rick Perry Friend/mentor/supporter

Rick Perry; The favorite candidate of, get this, "Republican Leaning Independents"? A new term for "Tea Partyers" perhaps?

So says Maggie Astor - International Business Times
September 5, 2011 - 9:18 AM

Here's The List:
10. He calls Social Security Un-American
9. He opposed raising the Debt Ceiling
8. He does not believe in Evolution or Climate Change
7. He has suggested repealing the 16th and 17th Amendments
6. He wants to set Judicial Term Limits and let Congress overide Supreme Decisions
5. He is the most Anti-Abortion Governor in Texas History
4. He supports Nullification and once suggested that Texas seced from the Union
3. He questions the Patriotism of top government officials
2. He mixes Religion and Politics openly and unapologetically
1. He contradicts himself
Read Full Article

Washington Post Opinion Writer, Harold Meyerson, 08/16/2011:"Rick Perry's Texas is Ross Perot's Mexico come north"

Cullaby Lake Health Advisory Lifted!

STATE, COUNTY HEALTH OFFICIALS LIFT CULLABY LAKE ADVISORY

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Cullaby Lake was lifted Thursday, Sept. 1 by Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division and Clatsop County Public Health Department officials.
The lake is again open to swimming, boating and other activities.
The advisory went into effect July 1. The public was warned against contact with the lake water, particularly activities that could result in swallowing or inhaling water.
Water monitoring has confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.
These reduced levels are not likely to be associated with dangerous toxin concentrations in the water, according to World Health Organization guidelines.
Oregon health officials advise people who recreate in Oregon water bodies to always be alert to signs of algae blooms. People and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water.
For health information, contact the Harmful Algae Bloom Surveillance program at (971) 673-0400 or www.healthoregon.org/hab; also contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 1-877-290-6767 or Clatsop County Health Department at (503) 325-8500.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Scam Alert From Oregon Department Of Justice

WELLS FARGO PHISHING SCAM

The Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline has received a surge of complaints about telephone calls claiming to be from Wells Fargo Bank. The caller is telling consumers that their debit cards are locked and that they should provide their debit card number to bank security. This is a phishing scam.

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger reminds Oregonians that legitimate financial institutions will never ask you for debit card, bank account or social security numbers, or for sensitive information, like your username or password, over the phone or by email.
Never respond to phone calls or emails soliciting personal information. If you suspect it might be legitimate, pick-up the phone and call the company to confirm.
Do not click on any links embedded in phishing emails. They may contain viruses or malware designed to steal your personal information.
Make sure your computer has up to date anti-virus software.
The Attorney General's Consumer Hotline received nine complaints since late last week from the Portland area and the Willamette Valley about this scam. This is a significant number of calls for such a short period of time.

Anyone who believes they have been approached by a scammer should contact the Oregon Department of Justice at 1-877-877-9392 or http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=pfqm4edab&et=1107377716124&s=11311&e=001bzADFaHcNo5XFSOB_3HmBLSMbRDvDRZOg5cTfLh4_adtnccWenUzj1kBaZER6ejvO1fqFjfeEZgkjQQDl1CC2djTKxyLAjh-Z87VFYrnRlsQVO1HGfPG-NtJLtQ11YSw14OPsDJsDdE=

Audio Transcripts Of August 24, 2011 Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners Meeting With Highlights

Work Session Audio Transcript
Regular Meeting Audio Transcript
Thursday, August 25, 2011

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AUG. 24, 2011 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Official minutes available once approved by board

Board approves Parole and Probation plan, agreement
The board approved the Community Corrections 2011-13 Biennium Plan and an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Oregon for parole and probation services.
The Biennium Plan details the programs and services the county will provide to local offenders on parole, probation and post-prison supervision through its Parole and Probation Division.
The 2011-13 plan includes several changes reflecting the transfer of the Community Corrections Department to the authority of the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office earlier this year. The plan includes a new day-reporting system, increased treatment and misdemeanor services, an enhanced electronic monitoring program, rental of eight additional beds at the Tillamook County Jail, and addition of one parole and probation officer.
The expanded services are to be funded by revenue saved from last spring’s closure of the Transition Center. The Sheriff’s Office will evaluate the service changes over the next year to determine their effectiveness
The intergovernmental agreement authorizes state funding for Parole and Probation programs. Due to state budget cuts, the amount of revenue coming to Clatsop County under the 2011-12 agreement is expected to fall by $133,306. Sheriff Tom Bergin told the board that his department plans to make up the shortfall with targeted reductions and the use of carry-over funds.
The Sheriff’s Office will revisit the plan next year after the Oregon Legislature meets in February to address budgetary issues.

Land-use review process reviewed
The board held a joint work session with the Clatsop County Planning Commission to hear a presentation on local land-use review and approval processes from Tim Ramis of the law firm Jordan Ramis, one of the county’s legal counsels for planning issues. Ramis walked the participants through the history of Oregon zoning laws and the basics of application reviews, quasi-judicial hearings, conditions of approval, conflict of interest and other issues.

Resource-sharing pact renewed
The board voted to renew an intergovernmental agreement that enables the Clatsop County Roads Division and various other public agencies to share resources during emergencies. The agreement extends for five years the county’s involvement with the program, which it first joined in 2001. A total of 217 agencies in Oregon participate.
The agreement allows agencies to use equipment, personnel and materials of other agencies, and sets up a process for reimbursement and liability. It does not, however, obligate Clatsop County or any other participating entity to provide assistance.

Other Business
-Approved a letter of support for a grant application to the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission for a Clatsop Plains land-use study.
-Approved a $38,772 contract with Bergeron Construction for repairs to the Lewis and Clark Bridge.

Healthy Kids Program Targets Clatsop County's Uninsured Youth

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAM TARGETS UNINSURED YOUTH

All uninsured children living in Clatsop County are eligible to apply for Oregon’s Healthy Kids health coverage program.
An early initiative of the Oregon Health Authority, Healthy Kids provides no-cost, low-cost or full-cost comprehensive health coverage for kids and teens until their 19th birthday. A family’s income and the number of family members determine whether a child or teen qualifies for no-cost, low-cost or full-cost health coverage. For example, a family of four who earns up to $44,900 per year would be able to receive coverage for their children at no cost.
Healthy Kids coverage offers comprehensive medical, dental and vision care including prescriptions, medical equipment, regular check-ups, preventive care and mental health and chemical dependency services.
Judi Mahoney, Clatsop County’s new Healthy Kids Outreach and Enrollment Worker, stated that the goal of the program is to insure 95 percent of the county’s kids and teens. Oregon has already seen the rate of uninsured children cut in half since the Healthy Kids program launched in 2009. “We have high hopes that we can do the same for Clatsop County,” said Mahoney.
Margo Lalich, Clatsop County Public Health director, added that “improved health is dependent upon access to quality health care and preventive services. With the expansion of health coverage to children in Clatsop County, more children will now have access to primary and preventive care, leading to healthier children who grow into healthier adults.”
Outreach and application assistance for the Healthy Kids program in Clatsop County is funded by a Targeted Outreach Grant from the Oregon Health Authority’s Office of Healthy Kids.
Due to the efforts of outreach workers and local agencies that assist families, more than 3,000 applications have been completed for kids and teens in Clatsop County since 2009. This represents more than a 38 percent increase in the number of children and teens ages 0-18 who now have access to the care they need.
For more information about Healthy Kids or to apply for Healthy Kids health coverage for your child, contact Healthy Kids Outreach and Enrollment Worker Judi Mahoney at (503) 358-2333 or via email at: judimahoney@yahoo.com (Hablamos español).

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622

Westport, Oregon: Federal Grant To Fund Ferry Poject

Monday, Aug. 22, 2011

FEDERAL GRANT TO FUND FERRY LANDING PROJECT

Clatsop County has received a $1.88 million federal transportation grant for construction of an improved landing at Westport for the Wahkiakum Ferry.
The new, expanded landing will accommodate the larger vessel that Wahkiakum County, which operates the service, plans to put into operation in 2014.
The grant comes from the Ferry Boat Discretionary program, a special funding category of the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. Clatsop County will cover the remaining cost of the landing project, which has a total estimated price tag of $2.35 million.
The project will also alleviate a chronic problem at the existing 30-year-old landing, which has been plagued by siltation that hampers operations at low tides and at times has caused damage to the loading ramp. The new ramp will extend into deeper water.
Construction is expected to begin in Fall 2012.
The Wahkiakum Ferry, operating between Puget Island, Wash. and Westport, carries 11 vehicles. According to the Wahkiakum County Public Works Department, the new vessel will carry up to 23 vehicles, and will be designed to handle tour buses and chip trucks. Wahkiakum County learned last week that it will receive a $2.8 million federal grant to fund construction of the new ferry.
The ferry carried 50,763 vehicles in 2010.

Released by:
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
(503) 338-3622