——————–March 10, 2022——————–
Point Hudson jetty rebuild project possible in Fall 2022, says Klontz
It’s not a sure thing, but permits and funding are lining up toward rebuilding the Point Hudson jetty in the fall of 2022. Port Director of Capital Projects Matt Klontz said the Port has completed environmental review by City, State and Federal processes. The Washington State Legislature will put another $1.5 million toward the project increasing its investment to $2.5 million. Federal grants from the Economic Development Administration will bring in another $7 million. Klontz said it’s possible that the Port will advertise the project for contractors in late spring. If the pieces fall into place, the rebuild could begin after the 2022 Wooden Boat Festival (late September of 2022). If so, all boats would have to depart Point Hudson during construction which would extend through February 2023. The work would be repeated, for the second jetty, during the same period the following year.
During Point Hudson jetty rebuild, Port to adjust moorage policies
Assuming the Point Hudson jetty replacement project starts this fall, the Port is taking several steps regarding moorage. From late September to late February, all Point Hudson boats would have to move. Harbormaster Kristian Ferrero said that means 1800 linear feet of boats would be affected. By holding open most of the 40 open slips at the Boat Haven Marina and keeping the linear dock available, Ferrero said all Point Hudson boats can find room at the Boat Haven. The cycle would repeat in 2023-2024, as the jetty rebuild is a two-phase project. However, this plan also means that boaters on a list waiting for moorage will be delayed for two years. The Port Commission elected to waive the $50 renewal fee to remain on the wait list.
Quilcene cautious on development ideas for Herb Beck Marina and upland
While Quilcene-area residents are happy the Port is engaged with them on how to better maintain and improve the Herb Beck Marina and its upland areas, they are wary of plans that might draw too many visitors. That was the message Greg Brotherton, a Quilcene resident and District 3 County Commissioner, brought to the Port Commission on March 9, as a report back from the March 1 meeting he attended with Port staff. Residents hope for marina dredging and reopening the public restrooms and showers, Brotherton said. But they do not want a tourism focus that puts a lot of out-of-towners on the narrow access road and packs them onto the locally popular beach. “We’d like a little bit of attention,” summarized Brotherton, “but not too much.”
County, Port move toward closing moderate waste facility at Boat Haven
The Port and the County have agreed to move the Moderate Risk Waste (MRW) Facility from Port property to some other location, at some future date. The MRW was invited onto Port land in the mid-1990s but is staffed by Jefferson County. It has 25 years left on a 50-year lease. But the Port needs the land for its over-crowded Boat Yard. The county has agreed to relocate it to a yet-unknown location. In the meantime, collection events for fuel, paints, stains and solvents are planned at various locations. Port staff recognized that many marine trades workers use the MRW, as do businesses and households throughout Jefferson County. But the premium on Boat Yard land for boats prompts the move.
Point Hudson “Back 40” plan discussed for more boats, more parking
A major expansion of the upland space used by SEA Marine to store boats is one part of a Port plan to make better use of mostly empty land called “the Back 40” at Point Hudson. Port commissioners discussed a plan presented by Port staff on March 9 that could, if adopted and if leases are finalized, add almost 27,000 square feet to the existing 43,000 square feet leased by SEA Marine. The Port plan would also lease 19,000 square feet to Puget Sound Express and 10,500 square feet to Washington Fish and Wildlife for car parking. Two other smaller lots could be set aside for the Northwest Maritime Center and the Port for additional parking. The plan has not yet been approved but will be brought back to the Port soon. Commissioner Pete Hanke, who owns Puget Sound Express, recused himself from this discussion.
With COVID rates falling, commission ready to meet in-person again
After almost two years of meeting remotely via Zoom, the Port of Port Townsend Commission is ready to meet in person again. It may do so as soon as the March 23 business meeting. Other local government bodies – the Port Townsend City Council and the Jefferson County Commission – are doing the same. Port Executive Director Eron Berg anticipates a hybrid meeting in which members of the public can attend in person or remotely. The Port Townsend Yacht Club is a likely meeting place. Commissioners also called for moving meetings around, including to Quilcene and Port Ludlow.