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| March 12, 2001
Sims expedites seismic retrofit, repairs of County facilities following earthquake
King County Executive Ron Sims today requested the County Council act quickly to ensure vital public buildings are repaired and made safe for the next seismic event the area experiences following the February 28th earthquake.
Sims today requested full funding for the Courthouse seismic retrofit project (CSP), construction of a new Regional Communications and Emergency Coordination Center (RCECC) project as well as for all earthquake-related repairs to County facilities. Sims also requested the County waive the competitive bidding process for these projects and all earthquake related repair as permitted by the Local Proclamation of Emergency on February 28, 2001. Full funding and competitive bidding waivers are both necessary to complete these projects quickly.
"The recent Nisqually Earthquake underscores the urgency with which the County must act to assure the continuous operation of County government and our judicial system in the event of subsequent earthquakes," said Executive Sims. "We believe we can shorten the time required for construction on the Courthouse project by as much as four months.
"The public, the Courts, the Sheriff's Office, the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the Council, myself and other County elected officials and employees are anxious that these repairs and building upgrades occur before we experience another earthquake," said Sims, acknowledging that these efforts do not follow standard County procedures.
"I believe these measures, if enacted, will allow us to proceed expeditiously, ensure these buildings continue to be safe for the public and employees who come through our doors and relieve any anxieties about their well being."
Sims added that to achieve these savings, the County would need to enter into negotiated contracts for construction services, extend the hours during which construction work can occur, and relocate the occupants of entire Courthouse floors and other facilities to clear the way for an earlier schedule of seismic retrofits.
The total proposed cost for seismic retrofits and repairs is $132 million. The estimated cost of the Courthouse project is about $71 million. The estimated cost of the Regional Communications Center project is about $31 million, and would save an estimated six months off the original schedule. Repairs to existing structures due to damage from the Nisqually Earthquake are estimated to cost $30 million. Of that amount, about $5 million will be required to restore the Courthouse to its pre-earthquake condition.
"Accelerating these critical projects is dependent upon the Council's appropriation of full funding, which will enable us to proceed quickly," said Sims. "I remain committed to providing the Council regular and frequent financial and construction status reports."
Financial support for the construction projects is currently being provided through the use of interfund borrowing. In mid-April, Sims will direct the County to issue Bond Anticipation Notes for these projects. Proceeds from the sale of these notes will allow the projects to continue, until Current Expense Fund supported Councilmanic Bonds are issued in 2002 and 2003.
Sims added that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will reimburse the County 75% of those costs of repairs needed for the Courthouse, the King County International Airport (Boeing Field) and other County facilities damaged in the earthquake.
Updated: March 12, 2001
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