At least for the upcoming winter season, the Port Hadlock public boat ramp is about to have its floating docks removed by Port of Port Townsend staff. At the same time, the future shape of the Port-owned boat ramp, pier, pilings and floating docks remains under debate within the Port Commission.
One option, recommended by the staff, is to remove the entire facility – ramp, pier, pilings and floating dock – to replace it with a new boat launch ramp with an adjacent floating dock for handling launched boats, according to Port Executive Director Eron Berg.
“Our next steps are part of an active discussion within the Port Commission,” Berg said. He advised residents interested in the Port Hadlock launch to contact Port Commission members with their guidance. “The commission would like to hear from people,” he said.
The current pier extends 90 feet from the Lower Hadlock beach to the floating docks. The two sections of floating dock are about 40 feet long each, and often serve as a dinghy dock.
The creosote log pilings are significantly deteriorated, Berg said. The same kind of pilings hold the pier. The current boat launch ramp can get piled with tidal sand.
The three-member commission has authorized Berg to seek a Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant to fund a rebuild, but funds are not yet in hand.
To contact Port Commissioners: District 1, Pam Petranek, pam@portofpt.com; District 2, Carol Hasse, carol@portofpt.com; District 3, Pete Hanke, phanke@portofpt.com. All three receive phone messages at (360) 385-0656, ext. 6.
For further information: Port Executive Director Eron Berg (360) 316-6013; eron@portofpt.com
