Friday, June 27, 2003

The 5 cent per gallon gas tax is a good deal for some of us. It will cause a lot of promotions in the Transportation Engineer field. WSDOT needs about 100 engineers here in the Northwest Region (Seattle, Everett, Bellingham). If you have a degree in civil engineering and your PE license, you can apply for a job that starts at about $65,000 per year and up depending on experience. The pay isn't too good for an engineer but the perquisites are fine. If you like to build structures, the 520 bridge needs replacing, the Alaska Way Viaduct needs replacing, 405 will be widened, and etc. There are 18 miles of I-5 that need to be repaved. I-5 from Tukwila to Northgate is trashed. For every civil engineer PE there also will be a need for a technician at the starting positions. Roads are US.  6:41:44 PM    comment []

I took time out yesterday to sign the papers that will refinance my condo. Got a good rate of 5.125% for 15 years. The refinance was done at a cost of $300 and I will make that back in reduced payments in 6 months. Lynn is also in the final stages of refinancing and will get a rate of 4.5% but it will cost her more up front and will take about a year to recoup her costs. This may be the last time that rates are this low, I read today that home mortgage rates are creeping up. I also remember rates of 16% some time back, just after President Johnson spent a boatload of money on guns and butter. 6:07:44 AM    comment []