HomeMy WebLinkAbout99-024RESOLUTION NO. 99- ~ ~ ~
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON SUPPORTING EFFORTS BY THE WASHINGTON STATE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (WSDOT) TO PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN
THE HOOD CANAL BRIDGE GIVEN ITS STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE TO THE
NORTH OLYMPIC PENINSULA
WHEREAS, The City of Port Townsend recognizes the vitally important nature of the
transportation network serving the North Olympic Peninsula; and
WHEREAS, State Route 104 is the primary route linking the North Olympic Peninsula
with the Puget Sound Region and all points east; and
WHEREAS, This ronte crosses the Hood Canal which is spanned by a floating bridge
known as the Hood Canal Bridge; and
WHEREAS, This bridge is subject to storm damage and other forces of deterioration due
to the extreme marine environment in which it exists; and
WHEREAS, This vulnerability was proven in 1979 when the western portion of the
Hood Canal Bridge sank as a result of a storm event; and
WHEREAS, The reconstruction of this portion of the bridge took nearly four years
during which time the economic lifeline of the North Olympic Peninsula was severely
crippled; and
WHEREAS, The economy of the North Olympic Peninsula suffered greatly during this
time as it impeded the flow of freight on and off the Peninsula, disrupted the flow of
visitors to our area, and severely inconvenienced the resident dependent upon this vital
transportation link; and
WHEREAS, The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has issued
a Hood Canal Bridge Replacement Plan for the east half of the bridge dated April, 1997
which indicates this section is severely deteriorated and that "major damage" is likely
given certain storm conditions; and
WHEREAS, The Transportation Commission has recognized this danger by authorizing
the design of a replacement bridge section; and
WHEREAS, The WSDOT has further recognized the importance of this bridge by
ranking this bridge as the number one priority for bridge reconstruction in the State of
Washington.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend as follows:
SECTION 1. The Transportation Commission and WSDOT are commended for
recognizing the critical role the Hood Canal Bridge plays in serving the people and
businesses of the North Olympic Peninsula; and
SECTION 2. The Transportation Commission and WSDOT are urged to proceed rapidly
with the replacement of the east half of the Hood Canal Bridge to minimize the
"relatively high" risk of damage from major storms as outlined in the April, 1997
WSDOT Replacement Plan for the east half of the Hood Canal Bridge; and
SECTION 3. The Transportation Commission and WSDOT are reminded of previous
commitments / requirements which preclude the reimposition of tolls on the Hood Canal
Bridge and the need to aggressively seek other revenue sources to support the bridge
reconstruction project; and
SECTION 4. The City of Port Townsend pledges its best efforts to assist the
Transportation Commission and WSDOT in pursuing these alternative funding sources.
ADOPTED at the regular meeting of the City Council on the .
1999, by the following vote:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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