PORT TOWNSEND — After the apparent low bidder dropped out, Port of Port Townsend leaders are now in final discussions with an Anacortes company that could lead to a contract award to replace the dilapidated Boat Haven marina AB Docks.

Culbertson Marine Construction’s bid of $3.46 million being the second lowest of nine bids submitted to the port a month ago.

Representatives of the company are in final discussions with port Executive Director Larry Crockett, who expects to bring back the paperwork for port commissioner approval and contract signing within the next two weeks.

“They have indicated they may be able to complete it ahead of schedule, by the end of this year, which is great,” said port Commissioner John Collins.

The original apparent lower bidder was Redside Construction LLC of Port Gamble at $3.08 million, but Crockett said the company pulled out of the running. Some miscalculations were made in its bid, he said.

Crockett has said he and port officials must ensure that the contractor would be both “responsive and responsible” to carry out the work.

The project will replace aging recreational boat docks and slips for about 100 boats.

All but one of the bids opened at the port offices were under the port’s engineering estimate of $3.96 million.

About 24 firms contacted the port in recent weeks about bidding on the project, but nine actually submitted bid packages.

Out-of-water work is expected to begin shortly after the contract is awarded, but actual removal of the old and installation of the new docks cannot take place until after the annual Wooden Boat Festival ends Sept. 12, when boats can be temporarily relocated to Point Hudson Marina while work is done at the Boat Haven.

In-water work would have to be completed by Feb. 15 when the state closes the allowable in-water work period intended to protect migrating salmon.

Electrical work and installation of gangways can still be done when the fish window closes to in-water work because it is above water and does not disturb salmon migration.

Financing has been secured for renovation of the AB Docks built in 1967, Crockett said, with the revenue bonds a lower prices because of the stock market decline.

The docks were given a life of 25 years when they were built, Crockett said, which meant they should have been replaced in the early 1990s.

The AB Docks project, like Point Hudson Marina’s upgrade in 2006-2007, would be upgraded to American with Disabilities Act specifications, city building codes, although space for about 13 boats would be lost.

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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.