PORT ANGELES — Port of Port Angeles commissioners have told the staff to investigate the cost of readying the western boat ramp at the Port Angeles Boat Haven for winter conditions as an alternative to rebuilding or repairing the eastern ramp.
Commissioners directed staff by consensus to look into the cost on Monday.
An inspection last month revealed extensive problems on the eastern Boat Haven ramp because the wood pilings holding it up are rotting.
Some parts of the pilings have only 40 percent strength, Jerry Demitriff, port public works director, has said.
The other boat launch — to the west — is typically closed during the winter because it is not protected from swells that occur in the wetter weather, said Doug Sandau, airport and marinas manager, at Monday’s meeting of the port commissioners.
Three options
Commissioners had previously said they were in favor of repairing or rebuilding the ramp rather than permanently closing it.
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.
Cost estimates for winterizing the western boat launch will not be available until after the port staff finishes researching the issue.
The boat launch is used by one-day fee payers about once a day in the winter, port staff said.
But it is unknown how many of the 732 year-round permit holders use it on a regular basis.
“I’m interested to hear the costs because that solution would also take care of winter,” said commission President George Schoenfeldt.
Neither ramp
Neither launch ramp will be ready this winter.
“In the meantime, while it is shut down for a couple years, we can learn more about the impacts on the boating community,” said Commissioner John Calhoun.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.