Funding set for ferry ramp

June 14, 2007

Wahkiakum County will receive state and federal funding to cover the cost of a temporary ramp during the reconstruction of the Puget Island ferry ramp.

Public Works Director Pete Ringen reported Tuesday that the state Department of Transportation on June 6 approved a $1.47 million allocation to the project, which will cover the cost of a temporary ramp.

Ringen reported in recent weeks that the cost of the temporary ramp could be $400,000 to $800,000, far more than the county could afford. If funding wasn’t found for the temporary ramp, county officials would have to consider shutting down ferry services for one-two months.

However, because of the funding, the shutdown will be about two weeks, during which the ferry will go to a boatyard for repairs and inspections.

Ringen also reported Tuesday that Campbell Crane company would be in the area yesterday (Wednesday) and today to unload concrete girders the county is acquiring from the Port of Seattle.

Several of the girders will be used to replace a culvert washed out of the Elochoman Valley Road in last November’s floods. Others will be stockpiled for other uses.

The only cost for the girders is transportation and that of the crane.