PUD office now open to the public

General Manager Dave Tramblie was not in attendance on Tuesday at the Wahkiakum County PUD Board of Commissioners meeting, so Counsel Tim Hanigan presented his report.

The PUD opened their office to the public a couple weeks ago. Customers are still using the drop box and practicing appropriate social distancing when they come inside. It’s going well, the report said.

The Washington State Office of Broadband had requested a list of all shovel ready broadband projects last week. Chris Walker of Noanet provided the broadband office with all of Wahkiakum PUD’s information.

Tramblie said he had been invited to a Zoom meeting with WSDOT concerning state road improvements being proposed through Cathlamet. The state is proposing to close left turn access onto Una Ave from the highway. Tramblie said he argued that it would make it more difficult for large delivery trucks to access the PUD as well as Brusco Tug and Barge.

Commissioner Gene Healy suggested that Tramblie write a letter to the district engineer signaling the board’s support to keep left turn access on SR 4 to Una Ave.

The PUD has installed over 4,000 feet of four inch HDPE water main and conductor on Covered Bridge Road. They are next planning to replace 400 feet of two inch PVC with HDPE water pipe on Pleasant Point Road and considering installing more conduit.

Tramblie has been working with Port 1 and River Mile 38 Brewery on a design to provide three phase service to the proposed building at the Elochoman Slough Marina. He provided Port 2 with an estimate for an additional light at their boat ramp on Puget Island, and coordinated tree trimming at Vista Park.

Tramblie met with Port 1 at County Line Park to look at the existing water system, along with a contractor who was there to provide an assessment.

Tramblie was also working with the town on the electric vehicle charging station that will be installed at the Butler Street Parking Lot. A transformer has been ordered.

Commissioner Dennis Reid suggested that with all the proposed money for infrastructure, the PUD should develop a plan for a Deep River water project if the funds become available.