1. Port Commission authorizes sale of 45 acres to County for maintenance facility
The Port of Tacoma Commission today voted to authorize an agreement with Pierce County, enabling the $4.1 million sale of 45 acres of Port property in Frederickson to the County for a Combined Maintenance Facility (CMF). A portion of the revenues from the sale will, in turn, be invested into Frederickson-area road and utility projects.
“The new Combined Maintenance Facility will save Pierce County an estimated $8 million over the next decade and will continue to save money over the life of the facility,” said County Executive John Ladenburg. “It will also be a community asset, providing public meeting space, interpretive opportunities and an insider’s view of the County’s road maintenance operations.”
“This is a win for the County, the Port and the people who live in the Frederickson area,” said Port of Tacoma Commission President R. Ted Bottiger, a Frederickson-area resident. “In the coming years, we expect that much of the undeveloped lands in the Port’s Frederickson Industrial Area will be developed, providing employment to hundreds of Pierce County residents. The infrastructure improvements funded by this land purchase will help Frederickson reach its full potential.”
Specific road and utility projects, partially funded by the proceeds of the sale may include the following:
– Canyon Road extension south from 192nd Street to 200th Street. Constructed as two lanes, the road will be designed for future conversion into a four-lane width.
– Raising 192nd Street above the flood plain.
– Providing access to the CMF and remaining Port lands from Canyon Road via the newly constructed 196th Street.
– Accessory improvements, including a traffic signal at Canyon Road and 200th Street.
The development period of these projects is expected to be one to three years. “This development will enhance the Frederickson area as a growing
employment center,” said Timothy J. Farrell, the Port’s executive director. “The Port has also committed to improvements to help landscape the intersection of 176th and Canyon Road because Pierce County should be not only a great place to work, but a great place to live, too.”
The property transaction between the County and Port is expected to close within 60 days.
In 1994, a comprehensive study was conducted to analyze all five existing and antiquated Pierce County road maintenance facilities located throughout the County. The report outlined comprehensive strategies, costs and timelines for rebuilding each of the facilities.
That report led to a study completed in 1995, which recommended the consolidation of the County’s Road Maintenance & Operations, Traffic Maintenance & Operations and Equipment Services Divisions into a
single, centralized facility.
In 2002, the County closely analyzed the functionality and safety of its five existing facilities. After evaluation of several options, it was decided to combine existing facilities at Puyallup and Elk Plain Road into a single Combined Maintenance Facility that will include the Equipment Services Division (vehicle repair) as well as provide space for a future Traffic Operations Center.
