PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Public Utility District commissioners have approved the purchase of the former Alaska Power and Telecom building.

The PUD has agreed to purchase the 6,812-square-foot building for $1.6 million and an additional $125,000 for the office furnishings.

The building, located at 193 Otto St. in Port Townsend, housed the corporate headquarters of Alaska Power and Telecom since it was built in 2002 until their recent relocation to Ketchikan, Alaska.

The new building, which shares space with the PUD’s other recently acquired building at 191 Otto St., provides the district an additional 21 office spaces, two network rooms and a dedicated conference space.

“Adding the AP&T building and making an Otto Street campus for the PUD was an easy choice,” said Kevin Streett, the PUD’s general manager. “Our utility services are growing and it’s a great opportunity to add some much-needed staff space.”

The district currently employs 76 staff members in its water, electric and broadband divisions and expects that number to climb to 100 by 2030.

Streett expects administrative staff to begin moving into the new building during June and July; the broadband team will remain in the building at 191 Otto St.

The district’s staff is increasing partly due to the creation of a local broadband and line crew but also through an increase in administrative positions to reduce contractor expenses.

Recent staff additions include a safety manager, a service technician position for residential and commercial line connections and a customer service manager.