Briefing No. 21
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

July 7, 2011

Good afternoon,

As reported in last week’s briefing, Strider Construction’s work on the Pioneer Way project has been suspended at least until July 18, 2011, with further work subject to authorization from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). People may still catch an occasional glimpse of a Strider crew member, either helping to maintain the project site or doing work that does not involve excavation, filling or adding impervious cover. Most of the equipment has also been temporarily removed pending approval to move forward. We continue to be appreciative of Strider’s cooperative and reasonable attitude since the human remains discovery on June 16, 2011.

Unfortunately, we are no closer to being able to answer the “when will construction resume” question. The Emergency Archaeological Excavation Permit application was submitted on June 27 and distributed by DAHP to interested tribes on June 28 with a one-week comment period. This comment period has since been extended to next Tuesday, July 12. The Excavation Permit is a prerequisite for any work involving site testing (to determine the extent of the archaeological resources) or excavation (dealing directly with the discovery area between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets). City officials continue to work closely with State and Tribal authorities on all matters related to the discovery. Certainly, if we hear anything definitive from DAHP regarding our permit, we will get the word out as quickly as possible.

Dust Control

Since it appears that warmer, drier days are upon us and with Strider’s construction efforts mostly suspended, the City will be assuming interim dust control responsibilities east of Dock Street. In the short term, the Public Works crew will be watering the street but we are investigating the application of a lignin-based product that is used commonly throughout this area for water-soluble, environmentally sustainable dust suppression. It is applied in liquid form, takes about 3-4 hours to dry and should last as much as two weeks before re-application. We will let you know via a Construction Alert if and when this option is exercised.

Scheduled Gatherings (on as usual!)

AM TUESDAY COFFEES Every Tuesday morning – 9:00 to 10:00 am
Pioneer Way Information and Construction Office
Have a cup and pastry, hear the latest about the project

Key City Contact People

These are your go-to City staff for issues connected to the construction project:

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

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

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

Other Places for Information

Pioneer Way Web Page - http://www.oakharbor.org/page.cfm?pageId=379

Pioneer Way Project Blog - http://pioneerway.blogspot.com/

Pioneer Way Art Project Blog - http://cohpioneerwayart.blogspot.com/