Briefing No. 22
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

July 15, 2011

Good afternoon,

While the news from the construction front is unfortunately very slim indeed this week (notwithstanding site maintenance and our ongoing efforts to work with the State to make the site safer and more pedestrian-friendly), there have been a few tentative steps in a positive direction with respect to our archaeological permits. The following describes the highlights:

□ The tribal comment period for the City’s Emergency Excavation Permit for Pioneer Way closed on Tuesday, July 12, 2011. Four tribes (Swinomish, Tulalip, Suquamish and Samish) supplied written comments and these submittals are now under review by the permitting agency, the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). Once approved, this permit will allow the City’s consulting archaeologist to move forward with sampling to determine the size of the site and with sifting of the spoils piles inside the securing fencing between Ireland and Ilwaco Streets.

□ On Thursday of this week, the DAHP scheduled a meeting for next Thursday, July 21, 2001, between representatives of their office, interested tribal representatives and City officials. This meeting will focus on issues raised during the tribal comment period, specifically if or how these comments might be incorporated into our permit. The DAHP has not been able to provide us with a timeframe for when our permit might be issued.

□ Also on Tuesday, the City submitted the second Emergency Excavation Permit covering the spoils piles that were taken from Pioneer Way to a gravel pit north of the City. This application was distributed by DAHP to the tribal communities on Wednesday with a suggested comment deadline of today, July 15. The option was left open for any tribe to request an extension to the comment period.

□ Based on the permit review process, the City extended the temporary suspension of Strider’s contract for another week, through July 25, 2011. We remain in almost daily contact with the contractor.

Finally, the City Council on Tuesday re-authorized monies that can be used for construction-related support for the downtown business community. City staff are working closely with the Downtown Merchant’s Association to find the highest value use of these dollars in ways that also pass muster with the State Auditor’s Office. Many thanks to one and all who have been a part of refining and extending this effort.

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 what’s on the schedule for that week

Key City Contact People

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

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

Other Places for Information

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

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