State Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Port Townsend) toured the construction of the Dungeness River Audubon Center’s building expansion with members of the Capital Campaign Team and program manager Annette Nesse on June 1.

Tharinger, fellow state representative Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles) and state senator Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) — who were unable to attend the tour because of schedule conflicts — helped to secure a state grant for $1.5 million as part of the center’s $5.5 million expansion and remodel.

The project will add 4,900-plus square feet to the existing 1,500 square-foot building. It also adds more than 60 paved parking spaces in a lighted parking area with easy access to the center and the Olympic Discovery Trail.

The new building features a large meeting room, smaller classroom, commercial catering kitchen, expanded office space and a large atrium with bird-friendly glass which will bring plenty of light into the building’s entrance.

The project also allows for the remodel of the existing building exclusively for exhibit space and a wildlife viewing room. The center’s expansion will also include a concession/coffee stand, a “first” on the Olympic Discovery Trail.

Because initial construction bids were more than $1 million over the architect’s estimate, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe stepped in as general contractor and was able to achieve substantial savings for the center nonprofit organization. Construction supervisor Kirk Nelson has used local subcontractors on this project, center representatives noted last week.

For more information, contact Annette Hanson at 360-670-6774 or annette_hanson@msn.com, or check the river center’s website at dungenessrivercenter.org/our_story/building-expansion.