PORT ANGELES — Clallam County is closing in on a key milestone in its long-awaited Emergency Operations Center and 911 facility project.
Sheriff Brian King says design is roughly 90% complete. But final costs and critical FEMA funding remain uncertain as the county pushes toward a construction start later this year.
Sheriff King said the county has been meeting regularly with project consultants, including Vanner, a firm now tasked with providing a detailed estimate of the project’s soft costs—items such as administrative fees, design expenses, and permitting. That estimate, expected in August, will accompany bid-ready documents. King says those soft costs are critical for the final budget for the new facility.
“One of our biggest concerns is that our design architect may be overestimating the soft costs. We really want a clear, defined estimate—right now, they’ve been running at about 40 percent, and that’s a big number,” said King.
The project has a preliminary cost estimate of $23 million, but King hopes that number will come down with refined cost projections. Clallam County recently secured an additional $2 million from the state Legislature to help close the funding gap.
One remaining concern is a $3 million FEMA grant. While the funding is still allocated, delays in scope changes and communication with the federal agency have complicated access.
“There’s little bit of concern with the FEMA dollars—not because the funding isn’t there, but because we’ve been working to adjust the project scope to ensure we can get reimbursed. If we can keep moving on our aggressive timeline, it might not be as much of an issue. But we really need a clear answer from FEMA. With the agency in some disarray, this is real money we can’t afford to lose,” said King.
King said the pared-down design will meet core emergency needs, even if it leaves out some desirable extras. However, bid alternatives may allow the county to add back certain features.