PORT ANGELES — The eastern boat launch ramp at the Port Angeles Boat Haven will remain closed for at least a year after an inspection revealed extensive problems with the conditions.
The ramp was closed because of rotting in the wood holding it up.
Some parts of the pilings have only 40 percent strength, said Jerry Demitriff, public works director for the Port of Port Angeles.
“Some of [the stringers] are actually so bad that you can put your finger right through them,” he said of some of the wood.
Information sought
Port Commission President George Schoenfeldt said he had already received some calls about the ramp.
“I’ve had many calls from people who said that is the only thing they use that the port provides,” he said.
“To me this is high priority.”
The commissioners, meeting Monday, did not decide what method to take for repairs but asked the staff to come back with more information on the use of the ramp and whether partial demolition and reconstruction or all new construction would be most beneficial.
The commissioners have three options to deal with the rotting ramp:
• Demolish the ramp and not replace it for $203,500 plus permitting fees and tax.
• Demolish and replace parts of the ramp for $354,250 plus permitting and tax.
• Rebuild the entire ramp for $449,340 plus permitting and tax.
Both Schoenfeldt and Commissioner Jim McEntire said they were in favor of rebuilding the ramp.
“From a revenue standpoint, it wouldn’t make sense — since this doesn’t bring in any money — but from a public utility standpoint, giving people access to the water all 12 months of the year justifies this,” McEntire said.
Even so, both wanted more information on the expected length of time it would last if only parts of it were rebuilt.
Commissioner John Calhoun said he needed more information before he could support it.
“I’m much less enthusiastic about this than my fellow commissioners,” he said.
Delay suggested
He suggested waiting through the winter to decide — since construction couldn’t begin until July 2011 anyway.
“Who knows, maybe with it closed this winter it is a yawner, and no one would have used it anyway,” he said.
“I’d like to see how much use this really would get.”
He also asked if it could be used in its current condition.
“Someone might be able to launch a kayak on foot from there,” Demitriff said.
“But we are lucky that with the heavy trucks that we’re getting on it that nothing happened before.”
In other business, the commissioners passed a resolution honoring Flora Westfall, who is retiring from the port in August after 13 years of working there.
“Flora really is the person that everyone goes to,” said Bill James, finance director.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.