Foss Maritime is expected to begin building a $1.7 million bulkhead expansion project in Rainier, Oregon within the next few weeks after the settlement of issues with the local government.
The expansion had been on standby for months because Rainier City Council members had been reluctant to surrender a piece of property that was needed for Foss to create a wildlife habitat area to compensate for the lost space due to the project.
An agreement was reached in early December however, that allows the city to have a portion of an acre for use as a pedestrian walking trail.
Foss’ bulkhead expansion project is designed to extend the company’s shipbuilding facilities 65 feet farther into the Columbia River and give crews another 10,000 square feet to build vessels. The company says it needs the extra space to handle its growing business.
The 2.2-acre Foss Rainier Shipyard is located on the Columbia River, across from Longview, Washington.
Foss Vice President of Technical Services Mike Magill told the Longview Daily News in a story for its Dec. 9 edition that the in-water construction needs to be completed before March to avoid disturbing fish runs.
Ship building crews should be able to use the addition while the fill settles for six to 10 months before the project is finally completed in November, according to Foss.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
