Asbestos leads to increased costs in Port of Walla Walla project
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, December 19th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Port of Walla Walla Commission approved an increase in the budget for the Avery Business Park roadway and infrastructure project from $800,000 to $940,000, due to an unexpected find during excavation.
The adjustment was made Tuesday after asbestos was discovered around two underground steam pipes, believed to be from a former hospital.
The state completed asbestos abatement on Nov. 19, causing a two-week delay. Nelson Construction’s original asphalt subcontractor was first scheduled to perform their work in mid-November. With this delay, the original subcontractor was not able to do the work as their asphalt plant is closed for the winter.
Nelson Construction secured another asphalt subcontractor, with a plant still open, to complete the paving of the roadway. Unfortunately, the new asphalt subcontractor’s costs were much higher than the original subcontractor costs.
The Port of Walla Walla is responsible for completing this full access road improvement by the end of this year for the new 5,300 square foot Frito-Lay distribution warehouse. Once operational, the warehouse will create six to 10 new jobs.
