Pacific Northwest 3, January 29, 2023

Helping Hand

Tidewater Contractors Makes

Emergency Repairs On U.S. 101 After Landslide Drops Road 12 Ft.

After a landslide south of Port Orford closed U.S. 101 indefinitely in the beginning of January, the highway is back open thanks to quick recovery work from Tidewater Contractors.

The Brookings-Ore.-based contractor was able to build a temporary road out of gravel and rock to allow cars to travel on the highway once again.

“We thank Tidewater for their quick, efficient work,” Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) District Manager Glen Pederson said. “As a local contractor, they understood how important it was to get the highway open for their communities.”

The landslide caused approximately 200 yds. of highway

to drop as much as 12 ft. in some spots.

The highway was reopened to residents a few days later.

According to ODOT, the temporary lane has no vehicle weight restrictions and it can accommodate up to 14-ft.-wide loads. Wider loads will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What made this natural disaster an even bigger headache was that there was no local detour on this stretch of U.S. 101. This closure applied to emergency services, too.

Landslide Timeline

Crews first noticed landslide activity on Jan. 2, when large cracks formed in the pavement. The cracks were patched, but by Jan. 6, a sunken hole had formed in the northbound lanes, prompting a lane closure and 24-hour flagging for traveler safety.

At approximately 3 a.m. on Jan. 9, a larger section of U.S.

Your Pacific Northwest Connection – Sharon Swanson – 1-760-518-4336 – sswanson@cegltd.com

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Brookings-Ore.-based Tidewater Contractors built a temporary road on U.S. 101 south of Port Orford as part of emergency repairs following a landslide in the beginning of January.

According to ODOT, the temporary lane has no vehicle weight restrictions, and it can accommodate up to 14-ft.wide loads. Wider loads will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. see TIDEWATER page 8

Satellite Yards Enable Ritchie Bros.’ Largest PNW Auction

Ritchie Bros. conducted its largest auction ever in the Pacific Northwest, selling more than 3,700s items from five locations in one online auction and generating more than $50 million in gross transaction value.

The Dec. 21, 2022, event attracted more than 8,200 bidders from more than 40 countries, with approximately 95 percent of the equipment purchased by U.S. buyers, including 33 percent sold to Washington buyers, 22 percent to Oregon and 8 percent to California. The remaining 5 percent of the equipment was sold to international buyers from as far away as Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands.

“Our regional auction events continue to grow thanks to the success of our satellite yard program, which provide our sellers more locations to store and display equipment for potential buyers,” said Griffin Squires, regional sales manager, Ritchie Bros.

“With equipment at physical sites, customers can inspect, compare and test items prior to bidding online,” he added.

“That ability to ‘kick the tires’ in person combined with our robust online platform provides convenience for buyers and access to a large global buyer base for sellers.”

Approximately 88 percent of the assets in the Pacific Northwest auction were sold from Ritchie Bros.’ permanent site in Chehalis, Wash., while the remaining 12 percent was sold from yards in Spokane, Wash.; Billings, Mont.; Lake Point, Utah; and Wasilla, Alaska.

“Many of our consignors benefitted by dropping their equipment off at one of our sites early so we had plenty of time to market their assets to buyers around the world,” Squires said. “The more time we have, the more eyes we can get on your equipment. If you have assets to sell, we have a multitude of solutions to meet your needs — contact us today.”

Equipment highlights in the Pacific Northwest event included more than 180 excavators, more than 175 truck tractors, more than 70 aerial work platforms, more than 45

wheel loaders, more than 35 dozers and more. All equipment was sold without minimum bids or reserve prices.

Five Big Sellers

• 2008 Liebherr LTM11130-5.1 143-ton 10x10x6 all-terrain crane — $400,000

• 2019 John Deere 950K LGP dozer — $390,000

• 2017 Komatsu PC800LC-8EO VG hydraulic excavator — $390,000

• 2020 Komatsu HM400-5 articulated dump truck — $340,000

• 2017 KPI-JCI FT2650 jaw crushing plant — $305,000

Auction Quick Facts

• Gross transaction value: more $50 million

• Number of items sold: more than 3,700

• Number of consignors: more than 500

• Number of bidders: more than 8,200 For more information, visit rbauction.com. 

Vermeer Northwest, Vermeer Mountain West Join Forces

Vermeer Northwest and Vermeer Mountain West are joining forces.

At the end of 2022, Vermeer Northwest merged with and took the name of Vermeer Mountain West. Combining these two adjacent Vermeer dealership groups creates a contiguous network of 13 locations spanning much of the western United States. By joining forces, both dealership groups will bring equipment expertise and market knowledge to their combined region.

Leadership from both dealership groups will continue to be engaged in the business.

In 1990, Doug and Jaci Terpstra left Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa, and founded Vermeer Northwest. Fourteen years later, Tim Weaver joined the business and eventually purchased the successful dealership from Doug, his father-in-law.

Along with his veteran team of leaders, he continued to develop Vermeer Northwest’s rich 33-year legacy of customer service.

Through this merger, Weaver has accepted the role of vice president of sales with direct

oversite in leading commercialization efforts in the states of Washington and Alaska. He joins the senior leadership team of Vermeer Mountain West. He and his wife, Johanna, are also now significant shareholders in the

Vermeer Mountain West organization.

Kyle Pieratt will continue to lead as the president and CEO of Vermeer Mountain West.

“We are excited to continue to build out

the Vermeer Mountain West brand as we strive to deliver excellence for our customers,” Pieratt said. “This merger continues to leverage our ability to scale customer service, inventories and long-term career pathing for our team members, in the fast pace and growing markets we serve.

“Similar to the customers and suppliers, competing at scale continues to be a vital part to sustainability well into the foreseeable future. We are committed to this journey with our customers and team members.”

Vermeer Mountain West will be headquartered in Chandler, Ariz. There will be branch locations in Tucson (Arizona), Las Vegas (Nevada), Albuquerque (New Mexico), El Paso (Texas), Salt Lake City (Utah), Boise (Idaho), Billings (Montana), Missoula (Montana), Spokane (Washington), Tacoma (Washington), Marysville (Washington) and Anchorage (Alaska).

For more information, visit www.vermeermountainwest.com. 

Longtime Public Servant Horsch Steps Away From ITB

Dwight Horsch, who came to the Idaho Transportation Board in June 2011 and continued his service to the public for more than a decade, attended his final meeting as District 5’s representative to the board on Dec. 15, 2022.

“I want to sincerely thank Dwight for his years of dedicated service to the citizens of Idaho,” said Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Bill Moad. “It has been a privilege to work with him — his service, especially to those in southeastern Idaho where he has been representative this past decade, has been exemplary.”

Horsch helped mentor Moad when he first became chairman of the transportation board several years ago. “He reminded me that the small rural communities are equally as important as the metropolitan areas,” said Moad. “The key is balancing the needs of the entire state to best serve all the citizens.”

When Horsch was appointed to the board (succeeding Neil Miller) in June 2011 by former Gov. Otter and confirmed by the Senate, his background included three terms in the House and a term in the Senate in his career with the Idaho Legislature. When those eight years finished, he returned to eastern Idaho and to farming.

As a lifelong farmer, Horsch understands the vital role transportation plays in Idaho’s economy. Without a good highway system, moving agricultural products to market would be severely impacted. Beyond the farm-to-market dynamic, transportation plays such a central role in everyday life that it is difficult to overestimate its importance. Whether its going to the store, to school, to work, or to recreate, roads and bridges are

integral to the entire process. The transportation system is multi-modal as well, with freight and aviation interests also serving as part of the conversation.

Horsch is a veteran of the Idaho Air National Guard, attended the University of Idaho and later earned his degree in agribusiness from Kansas State University.

Horsch looks fondly on his dozen years on the board.

Highlights

“I was fortunate to work with board members and ITD staff who are some of the brightest, most dedicated, energetic, creative minds in our state and in the nation.,” Horsch said. “When I first got on the board, the credibility level of the department was

quite low with the Governor, legislature and the public in general. In my two terms, I witnessed a great reversal of that situation.

“Due to this positive change, ITD received some terrific support and funding,” he added. “Now, some projects are being designed, bid and built that were pipe dreams 12 years ago.”

Goals

“When I was appointed by Governor Otter, he asked me to do what I could, working with fellow board members and leadership staff, to change the department’s image,” Horsch said. “Whatever part I played in that effort, it was wonderful to see it happen.

“I honestly felt, during my legislative career and as an Idaho Transportation Board member, that one of the most conservative actions we could do was to build and maintain a very good transportation infrastructure. With the support of the legislature and both governors Otter and Little, that’s what’s happening. Not all of my wishes for the system are complete, but a great start is underway.

“It was a great pleasure, as chairman of the subcommittee, to see the establishment of 129,000-pound truckload routes throughout Idaho. It took time and a great deal of input from road industry representatives, but we got it done, to the benefit of all.”

To My Replacement

“I am confident that my replacement will quickly realize they can trust the wisdom of fellow board members and staff leadership,” Horsch said. “Take time to learn all the sys-

tems before diving in too deep. There is so much to learn. Orientation is helpful, but the entire department makeup is so all-encompassing that it takes time to let it all soak in. Even in my last year, I found myself having to rely upon others to help me understand the complexities and attain faith in some issues.”

And Now For Some Fun

“Kathy and I have rented out most of our farmland,” Horsch continued. “I have retained some to keep my hand in the profession I have loved and to stay active. We are already making plans for traveling, camping and fishing. Our daughters, Holly and Tiffany, became the competent adults they are in part from growing up as farm kids, but they have found their own paths away from agriculture. My wife and I are confident that our tenants will continue to farm the land with the skill and devotion we have for the last half-century. Horsch Farms will live on.”

The farm is going into its 114th year, having started in 1909 by Horsch’s grandfather when he came from Germany and settled near Aberdeen, Ida.

What I Will Miss

“I will fondly remember the great people I have been fortunate to meet and interact with during my tenure,” he added. “Their intelligence, dedication and camaraderie will stay with me always. They have become some of my closest friends, and I will miss being with them on a regular basis. I count my time on the board as one of the blessings of my life.” 

(All photos courtesy of Idaho Transportation Department.)

Dwight Horsch

(L-R): Chief Deputy/Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney; D4 District Engineer Jesse Barrus; D3 District Engineer Caleb Lakey; D5 District Engineer Todd Hubbard; Dwight Horsch; ITD Director Scott Stokes; and State Highway Engineer Blake Rindlisbacher celebrate Horsch’s 12 years of service on the Idaho Transportation Board.

Dwight Horsch came to the Idaho Transportation Board in June 2011 and continued his service to the public for more than a decade. He attended his final meeting as District 5’s representative to the board on Dec. 15, 2022.

Tidewater Contractors Rebuilds Road to Reopen Highway

TIDEWATER from page 1

101 sank approximately 5 ft. and ODOT made the decision to close the highway. U.S. 101 continued to drop through mid-morning, although movement slowed as the day progressed.

“Our staff will monitor the landslide for any more activity in the coming weeks, but the landslide has been stable since [Jan. 11],” ODOT said in a statement. “We may need to close the highway again with short notice if we detect further slide activity.”

ODOT expects to open additional temporary gravel lanes through the slide during the next few weeks.

“Long term, we’re still determining a cost-effective way to repair the damaged section of highway,” ODOT said. 

(All photos courtesy of ODOT.)

Crews first noticed landslide activity on Jan. 2, when large cracks formed in the pavement. The cracks were patched, but by Jan. 6, a sunken hole had formed in the northbound lanes, prompting a lane closure and 24hour flagging for traveler safety.

EPA Announces $263M Loan for Boise Water Infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $263 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the city of Boise, Idaho, to support its Water Renewal Services Capital Investments Project. With this WIFIA loan, EPA is helping the city of Boise improve wastewater treatment processes to protect the Boise River’s water quality and ultimately recharge the drought burdened Boise River with high quality effluent.

“Maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure is essential for the health of a community like Boise, which is a fast-growing city struggling with drought,” EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox said. “Thanks to this WIFIA loan, the city of Boise can upgrade wastewater treatment technology to better safeguard the Boise River and even help recharge its water supply while providing good-paying jobs.”

Frequent drought conditions and

increased demand on water for irrigation have resulted in poorer water quality and lower levels of water in the Boise River. The city of Boise will use this WIFIA loan to implement its Water Renewal Services Capital Investments Project to modernize the city’s wastewater conveyance and treatment facilities. The city will incorporate advanced treatment processes at its wastewater treatment facilities so that the highquality effluent can be discharged into the Boise River to help increase water levels and protect water quality. By maintaining discharge levels into the river, the city will enhance the community’s resilience to climate change.

“It’s an incredible opportunity and honor to have been invited to participate in the WIFIA program,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. “Partnering with the EPA on this low-cost loan will help keep our water renewal rates affordable for Boiseans, protect our clean water and help ensure we have

the water we need as our community grows.”

This is the first of two WIFIA loans that will commit a total of nearly $400 million in credit assistance and will provide funding certainty for the largest capital investment in the City of Boise’s history. By financing this first loan with WIFIA, the city of Boise will save approximately $80 million. Construction and operation under this first loan are estimated to create approximately 1,700 jobs.

Project Background

Established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA program is a federal loan and guarantee program administered by EPA.

The WIFIA program’s aim is to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, lowcost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant proj-

ects.

The WIFIA program has an active pipeline of pending applications for projects that will result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investment and thousands of jobs. With this WIFIA loan closing, EPA has announced 95 WIFIA loans that are providing $16 billion in credit assistance to help finance $35 billion for water infrastructure while creating 106,000 jobs and saving ratepayers over $5 billion.

EPA is currently accepting letters of interest for WIFIA and SWIFIA loans. In June, EPA announced the availability of $5.5 billion under the 2022 WIFIA Notice of Funding Availability and an additional $1 billion under the State Infrastructure Financing Authority WIFIA (SWIFIA) program. Together, this newly available funding will support more than $13 billion in water infrastructure projects while creating more than 40,000 jobs. 

The landslide caused approximately 200 yds. of highway to drop as much as 12 ft. in some spots.

“We thank Tidewater for their quick, efficient work,” Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) District Manager Glen Pederson said. “As a local contractor, they understood how important it was to get the highway open for their communities.”

At approximately 3 a.m. on Jan. 9, a larger section of U.S. 101 sank approximately 5 ft. and ODOT closed the highway.

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