A section of the trestle was badly damaged by a fire on Oct. 15. Investigators suspect the fire was human-caused, possibly even deliberately set, but no suspects have turned up.
Preliminary design work is currently under way and the city expects to be ready to put the repair project out to bid just after the first of the year. Preliminary repair estimates are around $400,000, but Mayor Dean Maxwell has repeatedly said he hopes the work can be done for as little as $300,000, if there is sufficient volunteer labor available.
Maxwell says Culbertson Marine Construction will start demolition work after the first of the year. "He's agreed to work with us, donate equipment and/or time," he told the Anacortes American. In addition, Del Reisner, of Reisner Distributor has agreed to provide fuel.
Meanwhile, contributions continue to roll in. A representative of Shell Puget Sound Refinery said they will be making a donation next week. And, the Skagit County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will give at least $15,000 and up to $25,000, according to their director.
The City and the Samish Nation expect to be able to open the trestle in April.