Wahkiakum County is about to receive the necessary permit to finish the berth and channel improvements for its new Columbia River ferry.
The announcement was welcomed by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler and Senator Patty Murray, who teamed up when Wahkiakum County asked for help in obtaining the U.S. Army Corps permit as quickly as possible.
The County is scheduled to receive a new, larger ferry in February, 2015, requiring widening and deepening of the channel. Problems arose when the permit hit delays, putting in jeopardy the work that must be completed before the December dredging deadline. The Westport, Oregon landing alterations will not allow the old ferry to dock there.
“ This announcement comes without a moment to spare to keep the Columbia River ferry project on track ,” said Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler. “ Southwest Washington communities rely on this ferry both for daily transportation and in case of emergency blockages on other routes.”
Without this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit for dredging and construction, the Columbia River ferry route would be left unable to accommodate either the existing ferry or the new ferry scheduled for delivery in February–cutting off this important transportation route for Washington and Oregon residents.
This critical link for Southwest Washington residents runs at least 18 ferries a day, 365 days a year, and is one of the only alternate routes to U.S. Highway 30 and the Astoria bridge.
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Dredging Today Staff