County ferry system saves $137,770 in fuel costs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2013

County ferry system saves $137,770 in fuel costs

Pierce County saved $137,770 in diesel fuel costs for its ferries thanks to a new system that enables the engines to run cleaner and burn fuel more efficiently. This translated to a savings of approximately 23,657 gallons of diesel fuel during the first year of operation.  The county installed Emissions Technology, Inc.’s UltraBurn Combustion Catalyst System on the engines of the M/V Steilacoom II and the M/V Christine Anderson for approximately $66,500 in June 2012 following a pilot of the system. Pierce County recovered the cost of the installation in four months. “The ferry system continuously looks for ways to reduce operational expenses,” said Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. “This system hits the trifecta: we save money, burn less fuel and improve air quality.” The system works by injecting a proprietary aerosol catalyst into the air intake of the diesel engine, according to Texas-based Emissions Technology. The catalyst increases the concentration of reactive oxygen in the combustion chamber, resulting in a more complete combustion of the fuel. This results in increased power and lower concentrations of emissions. From July 2012 to July 2013, the ferry system recorded a savings of 22.9 percent in fuel costs and a 13.7 percent savings in gallons used compared to the same period a year earlier. Pierce County spent $462,967 in the last year, compared to $600,738 the previous year. The ferry system also used 150,522 gallons a fuel, compared to 174,179 gallons. “The longer we use the system, the more efficient it becomes,” said Deb Wallace, Public Works and Utilities airport and ferry administrator. “In the last six months, we’ve seen a savings of 32.2 percent in fuel costs, and 23.4 percent savings in gallons used. The ferry system has also reduced its budget request for fuel costs in 2014 by 20 percent after reviewing the results.” This was the first time the UltraBurn system has been used on a ferry. It’s used elsewhere on engines in the fields of construction, mining, oil and gas drilling, marine, rail transportation and more.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Deb Wallace, Public Works and Utilities airport and ferry administrator (253) 798-7109

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Nisqually Aquatic Reserve

Hello Anderson CSC members,

I am sitting here staffing the center watching the rain and all the suddenly it dawns on me that there is a citizen stewardship meeting on Anderson Island today.   As the volunteer for the center could not make it in I am staffing and will not be able to make it to the Island.  I called Ann and Sara and do not feel so bad as I was not the only one who forgot the meeting.   There are several things I would like to bring to your attention in the absents of a meeting this month.

1.  We are planning a CSC volunteer appreciation event that well be held in Steilacoom at the community center.  How does October 26 or 27th work for folks  This will be a catered event where we can share with you what we have accomplished so far and were we want to go in the future.    We really want to bring both committees together for this event that is why we are hosting the event in Steilacoom.      Will get date this week.

 2. Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve Action Training 1   We will do a training on Anderson Island as well but wanted to let folks know about the mainland event if they wanted to attend.

Learn to make your voice heard to protect Puget Sound!

You live near an unbelievably important part of Puget Sound, the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve. This Reserve is home to an incredible amount of wildlife, guarantees public access to the water, and needs you to use your voice to protect it!

Join WEC and Nisqually Reach Nature Center for an evening of learning to get you up to speed about how your voice as a citizen can be used to ensure the protection of some of our most special places in Puget Sound.

Questions the training will answer:

·         What is an Aquatic Reserve?
·         What makes Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve worth protecting?
·         What regulatory decisions impact the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve?
·         How can I engage in the public process around these regulations to protect the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve?

Knowledge every participant will walk away with:

·         How to use your voice to stand up for your environment and protect Puget Sound.
·         An understanding of the suite of regulatory decisions and processes that impact Puget Sound.

The training will be held on the evening of October 8^th from 6:00pm until 8:30pm at the Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98503.

For more information please contact the Aquatic Reserve Project Coordinator, Maddie Foutch, at (206) 631-2644 or Maddie@wecprotects.org.

Daniel Hull

Nisqually Reach Nature Center (NRNC)

Executive Director

4949 D'Milluhr Dr NE

Olympia, WA 98516

Cell: 360-790-0547

Work:360-459-0387

www.nisquallyestuary.org

nrnc@nisquallyestuary.org

Pierce County Library System's seventh annual library card drive

to

TACOMA - During Pierce County Library System's seventh annual library card drivepiercecountylibrary.org/services/library-card/library-card-drive.htm>-Oct. 1-31, 2013, get a free library card and enter to win a Kindle Fire HD.

"I can't begin to tell you all the ways that the library has been useful for my family," said Bonnie Warner, Buckley Pierce County Library customer. "I am using it to make travel plans, my oldest daughter is using books to study for the SAT, my youngest daughter is reading books for school requirements and pleasure, and we all enjoy watching DVDs and listening to music."

Currently 256,000 people have Pierce County Library cards. With the card people get an array of free services, including access to:

*       One million books, movies and morepiercecountylibrary.org/polaris/default.aspx>.
*       Online help in real-time from professional tutors and coaches for help with homeworkpiercecountylibrary.org/kids-teens/online-homework-help.htm> and getting jobslogin/csl.asp?a_id=A0E4FEDB&l=>.
*       E-books, audiobookspiercecountylibrary.org/books-materials/audiobooks-ebooks/Default.htm> and songspiercecountylibrary.org/books-materials/downloadable-music-freegal/Default.htm> to download.
*       Computerslibraryonline.piercecountylibrary.org/mainPageNew.htm>.
*       Credible, reliable information from online e-sourcespolariscatalog.piercecountylibrary.org/POLARIS/search/misc/esources.aspx>-Consumer Reports, Morningstar Investment Research Center and Chilton car repair.
*

Passespiercecountylibrary.org/services/books-materials/museum-pass.htm> to Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum and Washington State History Museum.

People who already have a library card may enter a drawing to win a Kindle Fire HD, by bringing a friend to a library to get a card. Military personnel and families may enter the drawing by showing their military ID.

Adults and kids can get a card onlinepiercecountylibrary.org/services/library-card/library-card.htm> 24/7 or at one of 18 librariespiercecountylibrary.org/branches/Default.htm> during open hours. People with smartphones can use a card app from either http://keyringapp.com/ or http://cardstar.com/  and take their library card everywhere on their phone.

People who live in or own property in unincorporated Pierce County, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Edgewood, Fife, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Milton, Orting, South Prairie, Steilacoom, Sumner, University Place, or Wilkeson; as well as people who live on a military base, tribal land or national park in the county, can get a free library card. Through a borrowing agreement with Puyallup, Roy and Tacoma Public Libraries, residents in those cities may also get free cards.

During the Library's card drive in October 2012, 10,555 people got cards.

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Contact: Georgia Lomaxpiercecountylibrary.org>, Deputy Director
253-548-3421

More information about the card drive and getting a cardpiercecountylibrary.org/services/library-card/library-card-drive.htm> @ http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/services/library-card/library-card-drive.htm




Kit Thompson
Content Writer
Pierce County Library System
New Direct Number: 253-548-3431; Main: 253-548-3300
kthompson@piercecountylibrary.orgpiercecountylibrary.org>
www.piercecountylibrary.org<http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/>



National Medal for Museum and Library Service 2013 Winner
http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/about-us/national-medal-museum.htm

Flags at half staff through Sept 20

For your information . . . . . . .

 

President Obama has proclaimed that American flags should fly at half-staff through Friday, September 20th "as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on September 16, 2013, at the Washington Navy Yard . . ."

 

Accordingly, the flag at the Anderson Island Memorial Park has been lowered to half-staff, and shall remain so until Fridayevening.

 

Dave Jacobsen, Commissioner

Anderson Island Park & Recreation District

Third annual Pierce County Citizenship Celebration

News Release www.piercecountywa.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 6, 2013

Third annual Pierce County Citizenship Celebration

The public is invited to join the celebration and watch as approximately 100 immigrants become new citizens, sworn in by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Field Office Director Linda Dougherty. The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 21, at the Mount Tahoma High School Auditorium, 4634 S. 74th Street in Tacoma.  The September ceremony date coincides with Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which are observed on Sept. 17. This national holiday commemorates the signing of the Constitution and the recognition of “all who, by naturalization, have become citizens." Since the 1940’s Pierce County residents travelled to Seattle for their formal citizenship ceremony. Three years ago the Pierce County Auditor’s Office spearheaded a group dedicated to having the ceremony close to home. "Pierce County is proud of each and every immigrant and refugee who makes the tremendous effort to complete the naturalization process. We embrace these new citizens and voters and want to honor them right here in Pierce County," says Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor. "United by our devotion to the Constitution and to the civic engagement it inspires, Americans remain committed to the fundamental principles established over two hundred years ago,” Dougherty said. Approximately 100 immigrants are expected to participate and become American citizens. Together with their family members and supporters, nearly 500 people are expected to attend. The Sons of the American Revolution will be on hand in period dress and will post the colors. Pocket-sized books of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights will be given away with American flags. About the Citizenship Ceremony The ceremony is planned by the Pierce County Auditor’s Office, USCIS, and a number of local non-profit partners. It was made possible this year by a generous donation from the Haughton Family Foundation.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Questions about immigration and naturalization: Sharon Rummery, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 415-248-8873 or 415-987-0191 (mobile)

500 vehicles expected at Sept. 28 Classic Car & Truck Show

News Release www.piercecountywa.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 13, 2013

500 vehicles expected at Sept. 28 Classic Car & Truck Show

Pierce County Parks and Recreation will hold the 11th annual Hi-Tech Collision Classic Car & TruckShow at Sprinker Recreation Center on Saturday, Sept. 28. Hours for the free spectator event are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 500 classic cars and trucks are anticipated to be on display. “This year we’re excited to welcome back our title sponsor, Hi-Tech Collision," said Becca Boyle, event coordinator at Sprinker Recreation Center. "We will also feature a pirate theme, and we’re inviting staff, spectators and participants to join in the festivities with their pirate-inspired attire! Lady Luck Steakhouse Saloon will  provide the Caribbean Island barbeque luncheon.  It's sure to be a great afternoon in the park with family, friends, and classic car enthusiasts. Everyone is invited, so join us, rain or shine." Sound EFX's Cory Kolilis returns to MC the show, which also features car-related vendors, an espresso cart, prize give-aways, and more.  Pre-register your classic car or truck (pre-1985 models) by Sept. 22 for only $15 or day-of-show registration will be available for $20. Souvenir T-shirts may be pre-ordered by Sept. 22 with your entry for just $10. To register call Sprinker Recreation Center at 253-798-4000. Day-of-event registration for participants begins at 7 a.m. followed by judging at 11:30 a.m. and the award presentation at 2 p.m. Dash plaques and goodie bags are included for the first 300 entries – the first 100 will also receive an (on-site) Caribbean luncheon ticket. Gates open for spectators at 10 a.m. with free admission for all ages. For more information, call Becca Boyle, (253) 798-4056, or Mark Richards, (253) 798-4030.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Becca Boyle, Parks and Recreation (253) 798-4056 bboyle@co.pierce.wa.us Mark Richards, Parks and Recreation (253) 798-4030 mricha1@co.pierce.wa.us

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Portion of trail along Chambers Creek Road to temporarily close

News Release www.piercecountywa.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2013

Portion of trail along Chambers Creek Road to temporarily close

A portion of the East Slope Walking Trail near the north entrance to the Chambers Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in University Place will be closed through December. This portion of the trail parallels Chambers Creek Road West. The closure is needed while work is done on nearby utility lines. During the trail closures, wooden barricades will be placed at each end of the closed portion of the trail. The barricades will have “Trail Closed Ahead” signs attached. The closure is in support of an ongoing expansion project for the treatment plant, located at 10311 Chambers Creek Road W. The $353 million expansion will increase sewer capacity and enable the county to repair and replace aging infrastructure at the plant. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2016. More information about this project can be found atwww.piercecountywa.org/sewerexpansion.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Ryan Dooley, Pierce County Sewer Utility project manager (253) 798-4280 ryan.dooley@co.pierce.wa.us Callene Abernathy, Public Works and Utilit

Editor an Blogmaster needed

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Since founding the Anderson Islanders Facebook group five years ago, I have been amazed how the site has grown from a few dozen members to over one thousand.
You may be aware that Donna and I are moving to the other side of Nisqually Reach. Do not assume that we will not keep up with activities on Anderson Island. After all, we still own a house (for sale) and several lots. Nevertheless, we thought it was time to turn over the administration of the Anderson Islanders group to an island resident.
You may realize that I have been serving over the past five years as the editor of the Island Sounder, the only monthly newsletter on Anderson Island. The Anderson Island Association is now seeking a volunteer to serve as editor of the Sounder.
If serving as editor of the Sounder sounds like something that you would like to do, drop a note to islandsounder@gmail.com .
Keep in touch.

John Mollan

Forum provides businesses opportunity to do work with government

Forum provides businesses opportunity to do work with government

Businesses looking to win government contracts will have the opportunity at the Greater Pierce County Purchasing Forum on Friday, Oct. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Environmental Services Building, 9850 64th Street W. in University Place. Click here for map and directions. Panelists and exhibitors include Pierce County, City of Tacoma, Tacoma School District, Port of Tacoma, Pierce Transit, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, Go Local Tacoma, Washington Department of Enterprise Services, Washington Department of Transportation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Joint Base Lewis McChord, NAVSUP Fleet Logics Center, Puget Sound, U.S. General Services Administration, U.S Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Pacific NW Defense Coalition, Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC); Native PTAC and the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency. The Washington State Office of Women and Minority Owned Enterprises will conduct two workshops to assist qualified businesses procure State Certification as a bona fide minority owned business as well as a new category - Small Business Enterprise, a gender and race neutral program. Register online or contact Hans Kueck at (253) 798-2335 or email hkueck@co.pierce.wa.us.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Hans Kueck, Economic Development 253-798-2335 hkueck@co.pierce.wa.us

District Court early closure on Sept. 13

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 4, 2013

District Court early closure on Sept. 13

Pierce County District Court will be closed at noon on Friday, Sept. 13 for employee training. The court will reopen on Monday, Sept. 16. This closure applies to courtrooms and public service windows of all divisions of the Court, including the Probation Division. We sincerely regret this disruption in service, and highly value the importance of public access to the Court.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Mary Ann Romo, District Court Administration 253-798-7788