Ferry rampconstruction:How long shutdown?

The good news is that the project to construct a new, expanded ramp for the Puget Island ferry landing is on track for this winter, Wahkiakum County Public Works Director Pete Ringen reported Tuesday.

The bad news is that the cost of a temporary ramp to keep the ferry running during construction is going to be much higher than anticipated, close to $400,000 or more, Ringen said.

Ringen said he originally planned to have the ferry shut down about two weeks of the anticipated two-month construction project. During that time, the ferry would go to drydock for inspection and refitting.

However, he said recent correspondence with consulting engineers from David Evans and Associates has suggested the cost of a temporary ramp will be at least $250,000, more likely $400,000 or more.

Ringen said he would like to check with funding sources to see if more funds would be available for the temporary ramp. The ferry forms a vital transportation link, he added, such as in times of disaster when a landslide has cut SR 4 in Washington of US 30 in Oregon. The ferry is also a link for commuters who could put up with a two week closure but have real difficulty with a two-month closure.

County officials began studying ramp replacement in 2000, Ringen said, and some preliminary concepts were developed. Shortly after being hired, Ringen obtained a grant in 2004 to begin the design work. The board of commissioners at that time agreed to expand the ramp so that large trucks could be loaded onto the ferry, and if necessary in the future, a larger vessel could be used as the ferry.

This increased the initial cost of the project from $1.1 million to $1.8 million, Ringen said, adding that the figures don’t include all construction management expenses.

Overall, the county is looking at a gap of $850,000 to $900,000 in financing for the project, Ringen added.

In other business Tuesday:

—Commissioners George Trott, Dan Cothren and Tom Doumit met in executive session with Prosecuting Attorney to discuss labor contract arrangements with a potential new manager for the Wahkiakum County Fair.

__Ringen presented the annual bridge inspection report to the board and reported on work projects:

—He has applied for funds to repair the roof of the Grays River Covered Bridge, which was damaged in last winter’s storms. “We have every reason to believe we’ll get them,” he said.

He has also applied for federal funds to repair the girders of the August Hansen Bridge over the Elochoman River at Beaver Creek Road; the bridge was damaged in floods by floating debris.

The county has received its hydraulics permit for work on the Duck Creek bridge, Ringen added. He an consultants are preparing documents so that the project can go to bid.