[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6083438,"mediaKeyId","2934802-06a30f954aa751d93144216c1beebb24","parentId",2934802,"title","Feasibility study shows trestle replacement would remove creosote pilings but could cost $62M–$102M; design and funding next steps discussed","audioSeconds",537,"startMs",3663000,"endMs",4200000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2934802-06a30f954aa751d93144216c1beebb24&start=3663&end=4200","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2934802-06a30f954aa751d93144216c1beebb24/thumbnail_3663000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6083438/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Feasibility-study-shows-trestle-replacement-would-remove-creosote-pilings-but-could-cost-62M102M-design-and-funding-next-steps-discussed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083438-f65fcc39ccded96143b231a5e050246e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770959205&Signature=PLTN4cwKHOlYCTeipesaF5ezGSXHL9ic-UVUpmKgDpIq9SUEygfHauTnns8qOu3CYQWDMGNOZce3t-kuXSlHKCzlJzbL~L0s6~UftIL6aXnfduKkrfWRg-6g6QuFiPsQt4gkgc41PBO4TRImcKi1moZ5-K7UYyWeNJOe8Kbzuaci3aV4ehuJYFEvS-IaA4C5bK7OC9M56Tgh7RYGm7GMFgkD5cbH6GwX46z26omWrcAjTGIEzQBu5eys4wXsFcJobs-Ywpv4NPU1itCNoby35fK7OfJ-XIdT-YMcoG0bMTYNiM5rGq0UISGawOmoQbL1txsbJNmnDxZQqVUzhahQpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Anacortes, WA","date","2025-04-09T19:49:54.767Z","article","A feasibility study presented to the Anacortes City Council on April 7 recommended further design and stakeholder work to advance replacement of the Tommy Thompson (Thompson Trail) trestle. The study — funded by a mix of Recreation and Conservation Office grants, congressional appropriations to the Samish Indian Nation, and partner contributions — examined environmental sampling, geotechnical borings, hydrodynamic modeling and conceptual designs.

Todd Woodard of the Samish Indian Nation and Hansen Professional Services consultant Lauren Schroeder outlined the study findings. The report found more than 1,600 creosote pilings supporting the existing trestle, with additional buried pilings inside the causeway; consultants counted 1,360 pilings visible at the lowest tide during the survey and noted there may be as many as 2,300 additional buried pilings. Geotechnical borings showed very soft bay-floor soils in much of the crossing, requiring deep pile foundations: one boring encountered firmer materials only at about 43 feet below grade and another at about 70 feet.

Environmental soil testing returned mostly ‘‘clean’’ results at one boring and residual contamination at shallow depths in another; consultants did not find soils that met state dangerous-waste thresholds in this limited sampling. The firm that performed hydrodynamic modeling observed that the primary channel location has been relatively stable since historic mapping and that restoring tidal circulation by removing portions of the causeway could help inner-bay sediment processes and habitat.

Consultants presented three structural alternatives and analyzed two in greater detail: a precast concrete deck-girder bridge (100-foot spans) and a prefabricated truss with fiberglass grated decking. The concrete girder option had an opinion of probable construction cost of about $62,000,000; the truss with fiberglass decking was estimated at about $102,000,000. A large portion of the cost reflects removal and proper disposal of creosote-contaminated soils and pilings, assumed at a conservative landfill type suitable for creosote-impacted material, and installation of new piling (the study proposed roughly 32 new piles and 43 long spans to replace the existing piling field).

Presenters described potential phasing approaches. Phase priorities could emphasize trestle replacement first to remove water-exposed creosote pilings, or begin by removing the causeway to restore circulation and then address the trestle. The team said phased construction would be constrained by marine fish-window permitting and could stretch over multiple years; the study estimated a three-year construction timeline for the full scenario but noted that phasing, permitting and seasonal windows could extend the schedule.

Council members asked about environmental tradeoffs, permitting uncertainties and funding strategies. Councilmember Walters stressed the urgency of positioning the project before potential regulatory mandates require removal; he noted that trestle removal costs alone were estimated at roughly $15 million and that the city’s annual general revenue would not cover the projected construction cost. Presenters said earlier feasibility work indicates a range of potential funding sources — state Recreation and Conservation Office grants, tribal funds, DNR assistance and federal appropriations — and recommended reconvening stakeholders to determine a desired end state and pursue the next design and permitting steps.

No council action was taken; the item was presented as a discussion to inform next steps and possible grant or design efforts. Presenters recommended additional geotechnical and bathymetric work, refinement of hydrodynamic and wave modeling (including storm surge), environmental permits consultation, and advancing preliminary design to a shovel‑ready stage to improve competitiveness for future infrastructure funding.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Anacortes - City Council Meeting (4/7/25)","oneSentenceSummary","A feasibility study presented April 7 lays out options and costs to replace the Tommy Thompson trestle, recommending further design, environmental work and stakeholder coordination.","taxTitle","Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington","taxId",51056,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083443,"Council renews Access Anacortes master permit; service map updated, customers must still request premises connections",902,2896000,3798000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2934802-06a30f954aa751d93144216c1beebb24&start=2896&end=3798","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2934802-06a30f954aa751d93144216c1beebb24/thumbnail_2896000.jpg","/articles/6083443/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Council-renews-Access-Anacortes-master-permit-service-map-updated-customers-must-still-request-premises-connections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083443-81c4d4c8c57a420a25d2acc17a8236a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770959205&Signature=H0xtMTXfPshqloxqJqOIilZjqofhashZigBPh-ofJw5zmCFuJeIYbB2TRa7SVAGbsMEABwAHRfIz~bTidHSI592FPWKZcj~t198Z6RAGFKlzVRaeHPfXF5rdXqEFBYJkLAWBkg8GHjEhEG03YFVIuVGpvN2NH90DgmtCv4sTlHDstEcRBwNundp1PFICJBpoPahG0xpRJ3ifNBCGukeyouGtVIthfvfUXcgWi~eFY5a8DLeWD5RZ-de3f5aoqBUy-MF5db39Ays1OT3F-he902P7zRNWwHJsjM2AVGHKLbhbxATISqxTXCoSRRScy-PzZUm9yr8Z6yK4PfimNW8qFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Anacortes City Council on April 7 voted to renew the city’s master right-of-way permit for Access Anacortes Fiber Internet, clearing the way for the next phase of the city-run fiber expansion.

City planning staff introduced the renewal as a statutory process under the Anacortes Municipal Code. Staff described the application package as complete and recommended council approval. \"The applicant is in compliance with federal, state, and local wireless laws, and the continued grant to use rights of way will serve the community's interest,\" city staff reported during the hearing.

The renewal follows the code provision that permits are valid for five years; the city issued the original master permit on March 16, 2020. The council held a public hearing before the vote; no written public comments were reported at the hearing.

Ms. Xu, speaking for the applicant Access Anacortes Fiber Internet, displayed an updated service-area map and told the council the map on the city website now shows where service is installed and when remaining blocks will be activated. Ms. Xu said the areas shown in pink on the presentation are scheduled to be available in May, orange areas in June, a small blue section in August (adjusted to avoid school construction disruption), and the green areas next spring. She told residents: \"We are encouraging people to submit their orders now.\" Ms. Xu also reminded the public that even after an area is declared ready for service the provider must still complete the two-premises connection to each home before customers are online.

Councilmember Ryan Walters and others noted the color key in the presentation did not match the online map exactly and stressed the importance of clear expectations for residents who have waited for service. Councilmember Carolyn Moulton moved approval of the renewal, saying she moved \"we approve the master permit renewal for access anacortes fiber Internet and adopt the proposed master permit renewal decision and agreement as presented.\" Councilmember Fantini seconded.

The roll call vote recorded all council members present voting yes: Councilmember Young (yes), Councilmember Walters (yes), Councilmember Cleland McGrath (yes), Councilmember Moulton (yes), Councilmember Hubick (yes), Councilmember Fantini (yes). The motion carried.

City staff and the applicant emphasized that availability on the map is a readiness indicator; individual premises still require a separate connection order. Staff also noted that above-ground attachments use existing pole-attachment agreements; where fiber placement is off the right-of-way, Access Anacortes pursues easements with private landowners.

The renewal authorizes Access Anacortes to continue using the public right-of-way under the terms of the municipal code and the master permit agreement. The council did not prescribe changes to the permit conditions as part of the approval.

Council members thanked staff and the applicant for the progress on municipal fiber and encouraged residents to check the city website for the address-specific availability tool and to submit orders when their neighborhood is scheduled for activation.","The Anacortes City Council approved a five-year renewal for Access Anacortes’ master permit to use the city right-of-way for fiber installation. The applicant outlined a phased service rollout (May, June, August, and next spring) and reminded residents they must submit orders for premises connections once their zones open.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083428,"Resident reports deer shot in Old Town; police and Fish and Wildlife investigating",273,2178000,2451000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2934802-06a30f954aa751d93144216c1beebb24&start=2178&end=2451","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2934802-06a30f954aa751d93144216c1beebb24/thumbnail_2178000.jpg","/articles/6083428/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Resident-reports-deer-shot-in-Old-Town-police-and-Fish-and-Wildlife-investigating","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083428-e5c745b1e0aa1995f9d0d55a87982577/orig.mp4?Expires=1770959205&Signature=Kjdki9FwwQvfZeSN~OsqoyIN~gy8pf0X~2WSgkZ4nwQoPNCaVkYOmjP~SqLS1IbSzl0hGsBxQxxW1edzJKg-aqsaDcW6xoSC3Lxb1poDyYtuGUg7E8kFpuEegisR8aQkKxSkSJ-HrKIkfvIwao5wn1pRrX6ZWjmkWJrQpToPjV1QzPQuPJWQN5i6Tr7LVYeDeqpx~nTRRWCbshSN8LSNUaYTG~5oMoQGTaydgedeoRsaHXt~luAJ-9IHGg6r2xvWziUW4hchwy82utzgrrJK76JJfjKw5fw-MM06~4UOYKTe4BXcUb4VETMqm7meOefTwJnwStbQXNQa9EHTDULkuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public-comment portion of the Anacortes City Council meeting on April 7, a resident described an incident on March 31 in which she heard two \"pop\" sounds, found a deer that later died, and reported the event to 911.

Sheila Thomas said she was parked on Sixth Street when she heard the sounds, ran to the location and contacted dispatch. She described standing with officers and initially being told there was no visible blood; after she parted the deer's fur, officers observed a wound and Fish and Wildlife was notified. Thomas said she later spoke with Fish and Wildlife officers and provided the names of neighbors who may have information. \"Although I do respect all living creatures, my focus is on firearms being discharged in the city of Anacortes,\" she told the council.

Mayor Matt Miller responded that the city would enforce laws prohibiting discharge of firearms within city limits and confirmed both Anacortes Police Department and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife were investigating. Thomas thanked dispatchers, police and Fish and Wildlife and said she was grateful no one was physically injured.

The council did not take action on the item during the meeting. No arrests or determinations were announced on April 7; the transcript reflects that the incident remains under investigation and that state wildlife authorities were involved.","A resident described hearing gunshots March 31 and finding a deer that later was determined to have a gunshot wound. Anacortes Police Department and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are investigating alleged discharge of a firearm within city limits and possible poaching; no charges were announced at the meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083433,"Council actions: consent agenda approved; grant amendment and water‑pump retrofit authorized",360,6600000,6960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2934802-06a30f954aa751d93144216c1beebb24&start=6600&end=6960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2934802-06a30f954aa751d93144216c1beebb24/thumbnail_6600000.jpg","/articles/6083433/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Council-actions-consent-agenda-approved-grant-amendment-and-waterpump-retrofit-authorized","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083433-4822b1ddcc30a5eef52081fd41f5c8bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770959205&Signature=J20xtBH8r9i1rCEyPs1O13xesr6aZYIXXONHobf0SfFQ~hgV7KFXh17zOsw870HVGy~anlugAdq7uCKa60Jc4QV6FBtJFbKoTSysOAY6D-xNNFmeLmoZNMaA9KdO1OBP2OqnWdHlhNyjOBZaVc~Naw~e224vRwXTi-3K9MBX7W6VNQoWg~~72xbviKdMAXyuxTJmxq3-TxAwrqva488MSK3YoFmAW90SqdD77sVuxIwaunSbEvr10ICh0y3b~dihPhwSmDNnzKwXcAM-D6NliI4pMHDzzXqyuULRR8fxU05Mc296biQDfUVIPxW-nFNukIqKNoMiQlEOG~n0y2svZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Anacortes City Council on April 7 approved several routine and project-specific items.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (items 5a–5h): Motion to approve by Councilmember Young, seconded by Councilmember Hubick; council voiced \"aye\" and the motion carried. The consent agenda included a package of routine approvals listed in the meeting packet; no individual roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript for the consent vote.

- Interlocal agreement amendment — 2025 periodic comprehensive plan update (Department of Commerce grant): Councilmember Ryan Walters moved to authorize amendment of the interlocal cooperative agreement; Councilmember Fantini seconded. Recorded roll call was all present members voting yes; the motion carried. City planning staff said the amendment reallocates grant budget lines so the city can claim reimbursements for work completed before the June end of the biennium.

- Contract award — Water Treatment Plant High Service Pump No. 4 VFD retrofit: Public Works staff presented the lowest bid and recommended award. Councilmember Walters moved to authorize the mayor to sign the contract in the amount shown in the staff report; Councilmember Young seconded. Roll-call recorded all present voting yes. Staff noted a minor discrepancy of a few hundred dollars between bid-tabulation and contract document and said staff would confirm the final contract amount; the council approved authorization contingent on that confirmation.

Details and next steps

The comprehensive-plan grant amendment authorizes the city to reallocate existing Department of Commerce funds so the city may invoice for eligible work completed before the current biennium ends. Planning staff said the amendment is an administrative technical change to maximize reimbursement and preserve grant dollars.

Public Works described the High Service Pump No. 4 variable-frequency drive (VFD) problem: the drive’s internal communications fibers are failing intermittently, causing controller dropouts multiple times per day. The council authorized a low-bid contract (contract amount recorded in the staff motion as $308,515.49) and staff will finalize and execute the award.

Councilmembers recorded that the votes carried; staff will proceed to complete contract execution and grant-administration tasks and report back as required by departmental procedures.","At its April 7 meeting the Anacortes City Council approved the consent agenda, authorized an amendment to a Department of Commerce interlocal grant for the comprehensive plan update, and awarded a water pump VFD retrofit contract. Vote counts were recorded for two items; the consent agenda passed by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Feasibility study shows trestle replacement would remove creosote pilings but could cost $62M–$102M; design and funding next steps discussed

Council renews Access Anacortes master permit; service map updated, customers must still request premises connections

Resident reports deer shot in Old Town; police and Fish and Wildlife investigating

Council actions: consent agenda approved; grant amendment and water‑pump retrofit authorized