PUD accepts water system work

Commissioners of Wahkiakum PUD gave final approval to the project to extend the Western Wahkiakum Water System when they met Tuesday.

Consulting Engineer Mike Johnson of Gray and Osborne, Inc., told the board all conditions have been met. The only outstanding issue is a dispute between the contractor and a subcontractor that was headed into binding arbitration today (Thursday).

Overall, the project cost $1.321 million and came in $140,000 under estimate, Johnson said.

“This was a good project, well done,” said Commissioner Bob Jungers.

In other business, the board authorized Manager David Tramblie to advertise for an apprentice lineman.

Tramblie said two of the PUD’s journeymen linemen are nearing retirement, and it would behoove the PUD to begin training a replacement.

The apprentice would enter a three-year program to become a journeyman.

Tramblie also recommended the PUD begin considering a way “to capture funds” to replace its existing substation. Tramblie reported that the substation has a capacity of 12,000 kilowatts and maximum demand this winter has been 10,187.

Tramblie suggested rates include fees for new construction that places a demand on the facility. The board authorized him to develop some proposals for later consideration.