PORT TOWNSEND — The Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization is holding fast to a plan to spend $10 million for temporary mitigation measures when the Hood Canal Bridge is out instead of permanent local improvements.

The state will use $10 million of federal money for temporary ferry service and facilities while the heavily traveled floating bridge is closed for six weeks in May-June 2009 — about eight weeks — for east-end replacement work.

Local officials presented an alternative plan to the regional planning group on Friday when the executive committee met in Mason County.

The alternative plan would spend the $10 million on a shuttle parking lot and a new passenger ferry route.

The executive board decided to stick with temporary mitigation because of concerns about increasing both the delay of the bridge project and its cost, said Patrick Sabine, coordinator of the regional planning organization.

The project to replace the eastern half of the aging pontoon bridge has now cost $487.6 million — $212 million over budget — and is three years behind schedule.

The group’s decision disappointed Port Townsend City Councilman Scott Walker, who represents the city on it.

“We could be putting in the beginnings of a new transit hub,” said Walker.

“We could be putting in the beginnings of a new ferry system.

“Instead we’re spending $10 million in a hole.”

Jefferson County dreams

The improvements local officials wants would include a shuttle parking lot on Jefferson County acreage across state Highway 19 from the existing Gateway Visitor Center at state Highway 104.

It would also include a passenger ferry route from Port Ludlow Marina in Jefferson County to Kingston in Kitsap County.

Kitsap voters are expected to vote on a proposal to help finance passenger ferry service to Seattle.

Walker said he learned Friday from Transportation officials that the federal money set aside for mitigation of the bridge closure could be used for permanent improvements.

“I feel this is very important for the Olympic Peninsula’s economic health,” he said.

Using the state’s $10 million for permanent improvements is also favored by Jefferson County, the Port of Kingston, the city of Port Townsend and the Port of Port Townsend.