County facilities staff told the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners Oct. 31 that the county‑owned bridge shop at 1403 Southeast Water Avenue sustained fire damage requiring remediation and additional work discovered after the construction contract was signed.

Christina Pomeranke, facilities project delivery program manager, said change orders totaling approximately $488,000 addressed unforeseen infrastructure needs. A stair lift identified during remediation could not be repaired because parts were unavailable; the project team recommended replacing it with an ADA‑compliant platform lift to enable independent use by people with mobility devices. Insurance covered $338,000 of change orders; the county drew $150,000 from facilities capital improvement funds (program 78245) to cover the platform lift, and the contract increase required board approval because it exceeded the 33% threshold.

Commissioners supported the accessibility upgrade, noting the project’s positive impact for county employees and visitors. The resolution to increase the contract price and authorize use of capital and insurance funds was adopted by roll call.