On April 10, 2023, the Port Angeles City Council and Clallam County Board of Commissioners approved the joint purchase and co-ownership of property to be used as the site of a Joint Public Safety Facility (JPSF). The purchase of the property, located on the south side of West Edgewood Drive in the 2200 block, is a significant step forward in the cooperative efforts of the City and County to provide innovative, but cost-effective emergency services to the community.
Since the project’s inception in 2019, the two agencies have worked together to identify a suitable site for the JPSF and ensure the project is executed effectively. Several sites were evaluated and ultimately, the West Edgewood Drive property was recommended for selection. The site was approved for purchase during the April 10th joint meeting.
The mutually agreed upon site meets several important criteria, including close proximity to the airport, internet connectivity, and financial feasibility. Following several evaluations, the site was also determined to meet all geotechnical and environmental requirements, including seismic suitability, soil quality, and availability of potable and fire suppression water.
The City and County will purchase and co-own the property as Tenants in Common. The purchase price of $300,000 will be split evenly by the two agencies.
Moving forward, the City and County will focus on finalizing the purchase of the property, which is set to close May 1st, establishing a property management agreement, and beginning the detailed design process.
The joint purchase of the property is a demonstration of the partnership and commitment of both agencies to enhance public safety and emergency response within the county. The JPSF project was initiated to address concerns regarding the seismic vulnerability and inadequate size of existing public safety facilities. The JPSF will co-locate these functions, including the Clallam County Emergency Management Section of the Sherriff’s Office and Emergency Operations Center, and the City’s 911 emergency telephone answering system and public safety dispatching facility, known as Peninsula Communications. In the future, the facility may also house a City-operated westside fire station. In doing so, the City and County will provide the most efficient, innovative and sustainable lifesaving services to the Clallam County community as it grows.
Both agencies are committed to keeping the community informed as the project develops. Upcoming meeting information can be found on the City and County websites. Citizens can also learn more about the development of this project by visiting www.cityofpa.us/projects or www.clallamcountywa.gov/1337/Plans.
Provided by:
Ron Cameron, Clallam County Undersheriff
Jessica Straits, City of Port Angeles Communications Coordinator
Dale Jackson, JPSF Project Manager