News Release

March 11, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANACORTES – The Port of Anacortes held two ribbon cutting ceremonies on Friday, March 11, 2011, one to mark the completion of the “T” Avenue Improvements Project, and the second to mark the completion of the Wyman’s Ramp Rehabilitation Project, at and adjacent to the Port’s Marine Terminal in Anacortes.

The “T” Avenue Improvements Project was funded in part by the Community Economic Revitalization Board’s (CERB) Job Development Fund (JDF) under the Washington State Department of Commerce. The Project included a full roadway reconstruction of “T” Avenue, including utilities upgrades, replacement of infrastructure elements including sanitary sewer, storm and water systems. The Project also relocated overheard franchise utilities to underground, constructed stormwater conveyance, rain gardens, landscaping and irrigation, made subgrade improvements, installed asphalt paving, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and made subgrade improvements and paving at the Wyman’s Ramp Access, and installed power upgrades to the eastern portion of Pier 2.The final contract amount with Culbertson Marine Construction was completed within the authorized construction budget. Design team members for the Project included Sound Development Group, Hough Beck and Baird, K Engineers, and MTC. General Contractor was Iverson Earthworks, with sub-contracting by Lakeside Industries, Samax Electrical, and Proscapes Landscape. Project manager for the Port was Jenkins Dossen.

The Wyman’s Ramp Rehabilitation Project was funded in part by the Skagit County Economic Development Public Facility Grant tax fund. The Project included demolition of the existing, badly deteriorated ramp, site grading, installation of a new concrete ramp, crane and outrigger demolition, pile installation and dolphin removal, as well as site fencing and gates. Design team members for the project included Leonard, Boudinot & Skodje, Inc., Kingworks, and Geoengineers. General Contractor was Schwetz Construction, with sub-contracting by Carlson Construction, Guyline Fence, and Geotest. The Wyman’s Ramp serves drop frame barges that transport fuel, building materials, and other goods and services to the San Juan Islands.

Port Executive Director Bob Hyde explained that both projects bring significant upgrades to Port facilities that impact commerce and transportation and will greatly contribute to the economic vitality of Anacortes and Skagit County. Present for the ribbon cuttings were Sally Harris and Lisa Wellman from the Department of Commerce, and Skagit County Commissioners Ron Wesen and Ken Dahlstedt, along with County Administrator Tim Halloran. Commissioners Keith Rubin, Bill Short, and Steve Hopley attended for the Port, along with other community members, neighbors, and Port staff.

About the Port of Anacortes

The Port of Anacortes was formed in 1926 to promote economic development for Anacortes and the surrounding area. The Port district is led by a board of five elected commissioners: Keith Rubin, Pat D. Mooney, Ray Niver, Steve Hopley, and Bill Short. Public meetings are held the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the Main Port Warehouse, 1^st & Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, WA. For more information, visit www.portofanacortes.com or contact Julie Johnson Lindsey, Executive Assistant, jjulie@portofanacortes.com