The Port of Grays Harbor’s bid of just over $4.5 million to purchase the property used to build pontoons for the 520 Bridge has been accepted by the State Department of Transportation. The property is in Aberdeen, adjacent and just east of the main port facilities.

Port officials wouldn’t say what they hope to do with the property, which includes the huge casting basin that could be flooded in order to move the massive concrete pontoons out into the harbor.

According to Port director Gary Nelson, the bids were opened late Wednesday morning and the Port’s bid of $4,520,520.07 was accepted for the 54-acre site adjacent to the Port’s Terminal 4.

“It’s always been part of the commissioners’ stragegic plan,” said Nelson. “We’re always looking for ways to expand international trade. The property complements our existing property and there is a shortage of property that is on the water and is served by rail and an active dock.”

The Port put in a $50,000 bid deposit and has opted to go with a real estate contract rather than pay cash up front, said Nelson. The Port has 60 days to get the contract finalized, and have to put in a down payment of 15 percent of the total bid, less the $50,000 bid deposit.

“We’re extremely excited about having the oppportunity to bring it under port management,” said Nelson. “It’s always been a goal to get that property producing and providing jobs again.”