Gov. Gregoire announces federal recovery transportation contract award

For Immediate Release: May 19, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire and Washington Transportation Sec. Paula Hammond this week announced a stimulus-funded contract award to Granite Northwest, Inc. of Camas to repair and replace damaged concrete panels and re-pave sections of Interstate 5 between North Kelso and Castle Rock.

�Washington is leading the way in getting federal recovery transportation dollars obligated and out into the community,� said Gregoire. �We are exceeding expectations for getting the funds turned around and getting projects completed this summer.�

The three-month project, which is expected to support more than 100 jobs, combined an existing paving project with a second paving project funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Granite Northwest�s winning bid of $9.9 million was more than 14 percent below the engineer�s estimate of $11.6 million.

�We are continuing to see bids come in below our estimates, which is further evidence that these stimulus investments come at a critical time for our contractors, their workers and their families,� said Hammond.

I-5 is the only continuous north-south freeway on the West Coast, and a vital economic transportation link for freight traffic and commuters alike. This section of I-5 in Cowlitz County carries an average of 50,000 vehicles per day, 23 percent of which are trucks.

This summer, crews will replace and retrofit approximately 180 damaged concrete panels in both directions of I-5, as well as repave the northbound lanes of I-5 between the Kelso and Castle Rock vicinities. Restoring this section of I-5 will preserve the road surface, reduce maintenance costs, and improve safety and mobility for all drivers. Construction is expected to begin in July and be complete by October.

For more information, please visit the project Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/pavementrehab/i5nkelsotocastlerock/

Washington state is administering the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire created a Web site, www.recovery.wa.gov, so every Washingtonian can see where tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden to oversee all states� recovery efforts and to root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars are put to good use and recharge the economy.