PORT TOWNSEND — The city is facing a $20 million cost to maintain its water system, City Manager David Timmons told the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
“When you add up all the costs, you’re looking at this small town investing $20 million in its water system,” he said.
“That’s really going to be a major cost factor and present a serious economic impact on our economy. You can argue all you want over Glen Cove, but the water costs are far more significant.”
Timmons referred to the Glen Cove Industrial Park, which may be designated an urban area by Jefferson County and could eventually be annexed into the city.
Timmons said the city’s federal permit to withdraw water from the Quilcene River is currently up for renewal. He said Endangered Species Act and other issues could force Port Townsend to spend $5 million to $7 million to increase the capacity of the reservoir at Lord’s Lake near Quilcene.
The full story appears in today’s Peninsula Daily News Jefferson County edition. Click onto “Subscribe” to get your PDN delivered to your home or office.