News Releases Article
Senator Patty Murray eyes work at the Port of Ridgefield
Originally published in The Reflector, 23 January 2002. Reprinted with permission.
by Heidi Wallenborn
United States senator Patty Murray was treated to a whirlwind tour Jan. 15 of the Port of Ridgefield Lake River Industrial site.
In the thirty minutes she spent there, Murray was introduced to Port commissioners, mayor Tim Thompson, city manager Randy Bombardier, other city council members, citizens, and other officials.
Murray was escorted around the site to see where underground contamination hot spots are in proximity to Carty Lake on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
Murray was invited as a guest of Port officials to see first hand what the $1 million she secured from the federal Housing and Urban Development fund for the Port’s use in clean up efforts would be used for.
Port commissioner Bruce Wiseman told Murray the Port is entering into Phase I of the clean up project to rid the industrial land of underground wood treating contaminants left behind by Pacific Wood Treating in 1993.
"This is an emergency action to stop the migration of the plume to the Wildlife Refuge;" he said. Steam equipment to be used in the clean up process was delivered the week prior, ready to begin extraction of the underground mess in early June.
"Our team is assembled and ready to move," Wiseman told Murray. "Hopefully we’ll be able to flip the switch in June and turn that baby on."
Murray said she was impressed by the $5 million above ground clean up and demolition project already finished by the Port, readying the land for economic opportunity.
"I’m very impressed with your progress and the amount of work you and the community have done here," Murray said. "I see you have kept the big goal and worked step-by-step toward it. You could have thrown your hands up in the air and walked away, and you didn’t."
Murray also said the Port project is a priority for her because of the potential jobs the finished project will bring in.
"I will do anything I can to look to the future and build jobs and an economic future," she said. "This is a perfect example of that. This is a huge job. Very impressive."
Murray also noted that by aiding the Port in clean up efforts at the 40-acre industrial site, Ridgefield would see a healthier environment for families and revitalization of businesses.
The state Department of Ecology declared an emergency action last year to deal with the contamination, and has committed to provide 65 percent of the nearly $50 million project.
In addition, the Department has agreed to loan the Port the remaining 35 percent so that clean up may begin immediately.
Although Port officials plan to begin payments on the 10 percent of the total cost over 10 years, they are seeking federal funds to cover the remaining 25 percent.
"It was great to have [Murray] here," said Port executive director Brent Grening. "She has been a supporter for a long time, and it is important that we get her to see what it is she is working on, to see our progress."
"This tour was also our way to say thanks," Grening added, "and for her to see the community behind the site."
