Feds show little give for ferry ramp

Federal officials are showing little willingness to give a break to the contractor who constructed the new Puget Island ferry ramp.

The contractor, Bergerson Construction of Astoria, awarded a contract to build the pontoon that supports the floating end of the ramp to an Indiana company, and that firm hired a company that built the ramp in Mexico and incorporated Mexican-made steel in the structure. That violated federal law prohibiting the use of foreign-made steel in construction projects which used federal grant funds.

Bergerson officials reported the error when they learned of it, and Wahkiakum County officials have been trying to negotiate with federal officials so that the firm doesn't, at the worst, have to replace the float at a cost of $250,000 or more. County commissioners have expressed appreciation for Bergerson's work on the ramp and say a good contractor shouldn't be overly punished for such an error.

A Federal Highway Administration official responded negatively to a county letter suggesting a waiver or light penalty for the company, Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow reported Tuesday.

"He did say they're willing to work with us," Bigelow said, "but not for what we're looking for."

Although federal officials have said the situation doesn't qualify for a waiver as described in the federal law, Bigelow feels a waiver is appropriate.

"I think we can apply for a waiver," he said. "We should be open to this."

He said Bergerson officials are developing a proposal.

"It is prudent for the county to support this contractor," said commission Chair Blair Brady. "It is our best interest to assist the contractor, but we acknowledge this is his problem, not ours."