King County, Wash., looks to produce own concrete as strike enters fourth month

Sound Transit

When product runs out for a lengthy period of time, you consider making your own.

That is the position King County, Wash., finds itself in as a concrete strike enters its fourth month with no signs of reaching an agreement. Many projects, including of the light rail variety, have been put on hold.

Now, officials are considering cities and municipalities producing their own concrete. The King County Council is looking into legislation that would generate a study on the feasibility. Sound Transit, the Port of Seattle, the University of Washington, and the city of Seattle also would be part of the study.

The study would analyze the feasibility of the county facilitating the manufacture of concrete, including studying possible partners, locations, and a cost-benefit analysis. It also would identify opportunities with the private sector.

Many believe the legislation is an attempt to break the impasse of the concrete strike. The study is not due to the King County Council until Dec. 1.

King County Executive Dow Constantine said the public sector must act to secure a reliable supply of concrete.

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