Briefing No. 24
Pioneer Way Reconstruction Project

August 4, 2011

Good afternoon,

As expected, the archaeological work began in earnest this week, both on the test probes outside of the Ilwaco-to-Ireland block and on the recovery work within the two spoils piles inside the enclosure. The work is progressing well and the expectation is that this work will be substantially complete in three to four weeks. As of this afternoon, no additional human remains have been detected outside the main discovery area. Many have asked us why the main discovery area is not open to view. Screening of work related to recovery of human remains and archaeological resources is common practice that reinforces the solemnity of the recovery process and allows Tribal members to handle ancestral remains in private. The City is respecting this practice.

See below for news on the renewed construction effort. Several of you have mentioned that it is encouraging to see the familiar Strider trucks back on Pioneer – we couldn’t agree more.

The Archaeological Work

□ The City’s consulting archaeological firm, Northwest Archaeological Associates (NWAA), is leading the testing and recovery work in association with interested Tribes. Depending on the extent of additional discoveries, the Pioneer Way archaeological work should be completed in less than a month.

□ For the project area west of Ireland Street and east of Ilwaco Street, the archaeologists are using shovel probes in all locations where additional underground work is required (tree wells, lightpoles, utility service connection trenches, irrigation service trenches and curbs). If no cultural resources are detected, work may proceed as designed. Should additional cultural materials or remains be found, there will be further consultation with the State and Tribes on how best to proceed. As of Thursday, this work has been completed to Dock Street and work is underway between Dock and Ireland.

□ For the primary discovery area between Ilwaco and Ireland Streets, the intensive testing protocol (test pits at one meter intervals) is on hold while NWAA and the Tribes conduct recovery work by screening the piles and removing human remains for re-burial. As soon as the recovery work is complete, the testing protocol will be implemented.

□ The State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation issued the second Excavation Permit today covering the spoils piles that were taken from Pioneer Way to a gravel pit north of the City.

Construction Work

□ Strider Construction resumed work in two places this week – forming a cap for the retaining wall across from Whidbey Coffee and installing railing on the south side retaining wall just east of City Beach Street.

□ The contractor will bring in a crew on Monday to complete preparation for filling the asphalt “gaps” in Phase 1. These gaps are mainly in evidence around the curbs and in driveways between City Beach Street and China Harbor Restaurant and the new paving will provide a smooth transition from the street to adjoining properties. Tentatively, the paving subcontractor, Lakeside Industries, will be in town next week to do the work. Completion of the Phase 1 irrigation in preparation for topsoil is also planned for next week.

□ Once the archaeologists have completed testing between Dock and Ireland Streets, Strider will complete preparation of the sidewalk areas, including installing and leveling the remaining vaults and cutting, smoothing and compacting the gravel base. Several thresholds will also be removed to insure a safe transition to businesses from the new sidewalks. Based on the information we have today, the sidewalk crew should be here during the week of August 22. We want to assure everyone that all possible avenues are being explored to complete this two-block section of sidewalks just as quickly as possible. This being prime construction season in the northwest, we have been especially impressed by the efforts being made by Strider and their subcontractors to find ways to return to Oak Harbor to complete the project.

Scheduled Gatherings/Events

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

FIRST FRIDAY Coming up again tomorrow, Friday, August 5 – 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Art walk and late night shopping

PIGS ON PIONEER Sunday, August 14 – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest – Judging at 2:00 pm
In conjunction with the Fidalgo Avenue Pig Roast

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