On Thursday, January 28,  Shell Puget Sound Refinery General Manager Sue Krienen presented a check in the amount of $10,000.00 to Dave Hall of the Anacortes Parks Foundation to aid in the repair of Anacortes’ fire-damaged Tommy Thompson Trail Trestle. 

The 3.5 mile Tommy Thompson Trail extends south and east from the commercial center of Anacortes, and then utilizes an old railroad trestle which has been upgraded with new decking and stretches across the Fidalgo Bay to the southern end of March Point, near the Puget Sound Refinery.  On October 15, 2009 a suspicious fire broke out which damaged a portion of the trestle.  The Anacortes Parks Foundation is working with the City of Anacortes to raise the funds needed to repair the damage.

“Shell is extremely proud to support our community to rebuild the trestle biking and walking trail,” said Krienen. “It is a vital link for our employees and community members to safely participate in wellness activities and enjoy the beauty of the Puget Sound.”

In addition to the check, Krienen said "We have approximately 50 people from the refinery ready to pound nails or do whatever needs to be done" to get the trestle rebuilt.  Currently, Culbertson Marine is in the process of removing and/or cutting off about 90 burned pilings and removing as much as 150 tons of debris.

Fundraising chair Michele Pope says more than $100,000 has been raised, with another $40,000 or so pledged. The unofficial goal is around $300,000.

Pictured L-R: David Hall - Anacortes Parks Foundation, Brad Adams- Anacortes City Council, Michele Pope- Trestle Fundraising Chair, Sue Krienen – Shell Puget Sound Refinery General Manager, Kris Lytton- Trestle Fundraising Vice-Chair.

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