Construction Alert No. 13
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

June 29, 2011

Archaeological Permit Submitted and Under Review by State

From our discussions late last week with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP), we learned that the City would be required to apply for and receive two Archaeological Excavation Permits – one for the Pioneer Way project area and one for the gravel pit where the excavated materials were taken. The permits would apply to recovery of human remains, site boundary delineation and data recovery. On Monday of this week, the City submitted the first of these permit applications, covering the Pioneer Way project area. Yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, DAHP distributed the application with their comments to six “interested, affected tribes.” Once the tribes have responded, we should have a clearer idea of where, when and how the excavation work will proceed.

Related to the State’s order to stop all earth filling work, several downtown merchants have pointed out to us how difficult it is for pedestrians to step over the new curbs and gutters, especially with the gaps that were left when this portion of the project was shut down abruptly last Thursday. We have requested and received permission from the State to make these locations safer by placing small amounts of gravel fill along the curb line, at the ramps and leading up to the front doors of businesses. General clean-up of the site will also take place. This work will occur tomorrow so that it can be in place for the holiday weekend.

Key City Contact People

Larry Cort
Project Manager
360 914-7107
lcort@oakharbor.org

Joe Stowell
Project Engineer
360-279-4520
jstowell@oakharbor.org

Rhonda Severns
City Utilities
360-914-7256
rhseverns@oakharbor.org