By Nancy Walbeck
American Staff Writer
A
planned extension of the city’s sewer line to the proposed T Bailey
manufacturing site on March Point will continue, city officials said Monday,
including shared expenses among the city, Skagit County and the Port of
Anacortes.
Anacortes
city council members approved an interlocal agreement for the $255,000 project
at the Monday, Oct. 14, council meeting. Under the agreement, the county will
pay $165,000 and the Port, $65,000. The
Port will transfer its funds to the city, which will act as project manager,
under a separate interlocal agreement.
The balance of the funds, about $25,000, will be picked up by the city,
according to the initial agreement.
Council
members asked City Attorney Ian Munce Monday whether the contested T Bailey
project would affect the outcome of the sewer plan. But Munce said once contracts are awarded, the sewer project
would go forward.
“Grant
funding is tied to T Bailey. If that
drops out, the county might seriously reconsider (its options),” Munce said,
referring to the county’s $165,000 economic development grant.
But
Munce said not only T Bailey would benefit; Snow Mountain Mills will hook up to
the sewer extension. As well,
infrastructure improvements to and at the site, at the east end of South March
Point Road, could include future water service, a finished entrance road,
storm-drainage installation and upgrading electrical capacity.
“If
not T Bailey, then we will do more paperwork to keep the money (for site
development),” Munce added.
In
other business, city council members:
●
Heard Munce explain that the county
commissioners had chosen, but not approved yet, a plan to manage Emergency
Medical Services in the county. An EMS
commission of about 35 members will be established, but will be advisory only
to the county commissioners. County
commissioners will also handle “final decision-making” on all issues, however
Munce said the city is requesting a “first-refusal option” if any change in
service on the county’s west side is to take place.