PORT ANGELES — Port of Port Angeles commissioners will move forward with three grant applications that would enhance the port’s facilities and boost its security operations.
Commissioners unanimously approved the action on Tuesday.
An $11.25 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program would support major upgrades to Terminal 3. They would include removing its Y-shaped wooden dock and trestle built in the 1960s and replacing them with a new, rectangular dock and trestle. The abandoned Chevron fuel dock adjacent to Terminal 3 would be removed for environmental mitigation as well.
The port would provide a 20 percent match of $2.25 million.
The upgrades are part of the port’s phased plan to increase its cargo handling capacity at its terminal facilities.
“The way we’re approaching this project is a series of steps in executing improvements to Terminal 3 and Terminal 1,” port Executive Director Paul Jarkiewicz said.
Commissioner Steve Burke said he would like to see a way toward removing the creosote-soaked pilings in the terminal area.
“There are some discussions going on as to what we can do about that,” Jarkiewicz said.
A $488,165 grant through the Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program would provide funding to strengthen port infrastructure from threats and improve overall security.
The port is seeking the funding for four projects: establishing a Security Operations Command Center at its industrial park at William R. Fairchild International Airport by relocating it from its current location in a tsunami hazard zone; procuring mobile Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card readers to improve access to MARSEC (Maritime Security) facilities; procuring a new security patrol truck to replace the port’s current vehicle that is at the end of its useful life; and procuring a safety vessel for Port Angeles Harbor.
The port worked with Clallam County Fire District 2 and the Port Angeles Fire Department to explore the best options for a safety vessel, said Katharine Frazier, the port’s grants and government affairs manager.
“Currently we don’t have an asset like a safety vessel,” Frazier said. “The only existing thing that is similar is a trailered vessel owned by the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department.
“This is intended to be a rapid-response boat that can get out there a lot faster, prevent security incidents or be that first response.”
The port’s 25 percent match for the grant would be $122,041.
A $302,634 FAA Infrastructure grant would cover the architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical engineering design for new hangars at the airport. The port is working with Century West Engineering on a plan for the new hangars, which would help meet growing demand for more space for aircraft.
The FAA would fund 95 percent of the total project cost ($276,961). The state Department of Transportation and the port each would contribute 2.5 percent ($7,288). The port would contribute an additional $11,000 for the design of restrooms, which are not eligible for FAA funding.
Abandoned vessels
The port will put six abandoned vessels whose owners failed to pay a total of almost $43,000 in outstanding marina charges up for auction after commissioners moved to approve the resolution.
If proceeds from the sale of a vessel don’t reimburse the port completely, the owner’s account will be turned over to a collection agency.
Marine Trades manager Marty Marchant said the auction reserve for a vessel is the amount outstanding on the account, which is frequently more than the vessel is worth.
The port is obligated to recapture as much it can from an auction. If it doesn’t, the account is turned over to a collection agency.
________
Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
