Template revised January 10, 2019.
COMMISSION
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Item No.
8g
ACTION ITEM
Date of Meeting
March 14, 2023
DATE : February 13, 2023
TO: Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director
FROM: Danny Good, WPM Facilities Project Manager IV
Delmas Whittaker, Director Marine Maintenance
SUBJECT: MMSO Electrical Service Upgrade – Budget Amendment (CIP #801088, Project
N00053)
Amount of this request:
$150,000
Total estimated project cost:
$450,000
ACTION REQUESTED
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to (1) approve a budget increase of
$150,000 to the existing small capital project at the Marine Maintenance South Office to expand
electrical service capacity, for a total revised project cost not to exceed $450,000; and (2) to use
Port Crews to complete construction.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Marine Maintenance South Office (MMSO) Electrical Service Upgrade is an existing small
capital project intended to increase electrical service capacity in the MMSO south yard from 100A
to 600A. This will allow for future installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations for
Maintenance fleet vehicles and provide additional electrical capacity in the South Yard for
necessary infrastructure upgrades. Completion of this project is a necessary predecessor to
installation of EV charging stations which will contribute to the Port Century Agenda goal of being
the greenest & most energy-efficient port in North America. Supply chain delays for delivery of
electrical equipment and minor changes to design and construction have impacted project
schedule and cost. This request for additional funding will ensure completion of the electrical
switchgear buildout, energization from the upgraded Seattle City Light (SCL) service, and
restoration of Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) roadway panels.
JUSTIFICATION
This project was originally conceived in 2020 upon realization that insufficient electrical capacity
existed in the Marine Maintenance (MM) South Yard for future upgrades. Completion of this
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 2 of 4
Meeting Date: March 14, 2023
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
project will allow for future installation of EV charging stations, and provide additional capacity
for lighting enhancements, security systems, or other specific items needing a dedicated power
connection. Future installation of EV charging stations at this location will not only reduce carbon
emissions and contribute to achieving Port Century Agenda Goal 4 but is critical to keep pace
with the procurement and arrival of electric Maintenance Fleet vehicles. A separate capital
project is currently in the planning phase to design and install a maximum quantity of EV charging
stations allowable in the MM South Yard given the additional electrical service capacity provided
by this Commission request.
Diversity in Contracting
The Diversity in Contracting Department has not been contacted regarding this project and no
WMBE aspirational goals or inclusion plans were established, as it is intended to be completed
using Port design staff and construction labor with no external workforce utilization. An
Acquisition Planning meeting was conducted in November 2021 prior to requesting construction
funding.
DETAILS
This project will increase electrical service in the MM South Yard from 100A to 600A capacity
through installation of upgraded SCL pole mounted transformers, construction of new electrical
switchgear in the MM South Yard, cutover of power connection by SCL, and demolition of existing
switchgear followed by MM yard and SDOT roadway panel restoration.
Scope of Work
Work completed to date includes installation of SCL pole mounted transformers per the SCL
service letter agreement, installation of the below grade main power feed from SCL transformers
to the MM South Yard equipment pad, and 90% construction completion of the new electrical
switchgear. Remaining tasks include final buildout of the electrical switchgear and intercepting
below grade conduit connections, installation of meters and final power cutover by SCL,
demolition of existing switchgear and restoration of MM South Yard pavement, and restoration
of two SDOT roadway panels at the base of the SCL utility pole on S. Hinds St. that were excavated
during trenching for the main power feed connection.
Schedule
Activity
Design start
2020 Quarter 3
Construction start
2022 Quarter 3
In-use date
2023 Quarter 2
This Request
Total Project
Project Mgmt. / Env. Permitting
$15,000
$55,000
Design
$15,000
$55,000
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 3 of 4
Meeting Date: March 14, 2023
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
Construction
$120,000
$340,000
Total
$150,000
$450,000
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Only two alternatives are listed, and one is not considered a viable alternative as it would result
in an incomplete construction project consisting of newly built electrical switchgear with
incomplete connections, areas of surrounding open excavation, as well as un-restored SDOT
roadway panels which could result in penalties if not completed.
Alternative 1 – Stop construction prior to reaching current approved budget of $300,000.
Cost Implications: NTE $300,000
Pros:
(1) Less capital expenditure.
Cons:
(1) Would result in an incomplete upgraded electrical service connection that could not be
used for future EV charging stations.
(2) Poses safety risks and operational hazards by leaving open areas of excavation near the
switchgear pad in the MM South Yard.
(3) Risks penalties from SDOT if roadway panels are not restored and street use permit not
properly closed.
This is not the recommended alternative.
Alternative 2 – Approve request for budget authorization increase of $150,000.
Cost Implications: NTE $450,000
Pros:
(1) Allows for completion of electrical service upgrade project, including closure of Seattle
Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) electrical permit, SDOT street use
permit, and terms of SCL service letter agreement.
(2) Results in complete restoration of MM South Yard pavement and SDOT roadway panels.
(3) Completes the necessary electrical infrastructure to allow for installation of future EV
charging stations.
Cons:
(1) Additional capital expenditure.
This is the recommended alternative.
COMMISSION AGENDA – Action Item No. 8g Page 4 of 4
Meeting Date: March 14, 2023
Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Cost Estimate/Authorization Summary
Capital
Expense
Total
COST ESTIMATE
Original estimate
$250,000
$0
$250,000
Previous changes – net
$50,000
$0
$50,000
Current change
$150,000
$0
$150,000
Revised estimate
$450,000
$0
$450,000
AUTHORIZATION
Previous authorizations
$300,000
$0
$300,000
Current request for authorization
$150,000
$0
$150,000
Total authorizations, including this request
$450,000
0
$450,000
Remaining amount to be authorized
$0
$0
$0
Annual Budget Status and Source of Funds
This project was included in the 2023 Capital Plan under the Maritime Small Capital Program.
Additional budget will be funded with Maritime Reserves.
This project is funded by the General Fund.
Financial Analysis and Summary
Project cost for analysis
$450,000
Business Unit (BU)
Marine Maintenance
Effect on business performance
(NOI after depreciation)
This project will increase annual depreciation by
approximately $9,000. This upgrade supports future
operating cost reductions from electrification of the
Port’s fleet.
IRR/NPV (if relevant)
NA
CPE Impact
NA
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST
(1) Presentation slides
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS
None