It might seem like an odd time to work on a dock, but for the Port of Klickitat, working in the heart of winter is the best option for a variety of reasons.
By acting now, the Port of Klickitat is ensuring that it doesn't lose its waterway work permit from the Army Corps of Engineers, which was originally issued in December 1997. The permit has been extended, but will officially expire on March 15, 2002.
"We had to do it now. It's so difficult to get permits for any water work. We're very fortunate to have the permit," said Port Executive Director Dianne Sherwood.
A team from Betz Construction, Inc., of Hood River, is in the process of substantially upgrading the boat ramp at the Bingen Point Marina. Planned is replacing the single-lane ramp with a two-lane ramp, and placing a floating dock between the two ramps for easier loading and unloading.
Although the primary work will be completed in February, Sherwood said the paving of the apron at the top of the ramps will not be finished until warmer weather comes in, probably in April.
However, Sherwood believes the ramps will be available for use even before the asphalt is put in.
"We can go ahead and allow people to use the ramp, but there will just be gravel at the top for awhile," she explained. "Not a lot of people use the ramps this time of year anyway, so it's a good time to do the project."
Sherwood added that the dock project is also another step in moving the proposed Gorge Harbor Marina plan forward.
Steve Tessmer, president of Gorge Associates in Hood River, has been working for several years to construct a modern marina complex, with a number of floating townhomes as well as boat slips and a service facility for boats.
"It's part of the master plan for marina development we've been working on, and it's a very positive step," Tessmer said. "We're pleased we're getting that ramp in. It'll be a nice improvement. The old one was real tricky."
If and when Tessmer's plans are approved, the marina work is expected to proceed via a phased approach.
"Better boat access is part of moving that forward. This is one of the components in our agreement," added Sherwood. "I feel we're getting closer. But everything takes so long. There is a lot of red tape."
Sherwood noted that working in the river at this time of year is not harmful to fish populations.
Although the Fish & Wildlife Service only allows work with in the Columbia River and associated waterways during a certain window -- Nov. 15-Feb. 28 -- an added benefit of working in the winter season is that bids are generally lower at this time of year.
Sherwood said the bid from Betz Construction -- which was for $203,904.98 -- was less than the engineer's estimate. She attributed that to the fact the project is being scheduled during the cold, wet season.
"A lot of contractors don't have work lined up in the wintertime," Sherwood pointed out. "We've heard a lot of good things about Betz Construction, they've done a lot of construction for Hood River schools. We're real pleased to get his low bid."
Kennedy/Jenks Consultants from Portland engineered the dock/ramp project, estimating the cost at $209,000. Six bids were received on the job, ranging from Betz Construction's winning bid to a high of $253,584.
Despite the relatively low cost of the work and the urgency to complete the project before permits expire, Sherwood said it was still difficult to come up with the needed revenue.
The Port kicked in $83,616, while the Washington Inter-Agency for Outdoor Recreation Committee contributed $169,762.
"It's a great deal, but a lot to come up with. We have the permit, so the time is right. And this project has been on our list for about eight years," Sherwood explained.
A second round of improvements is proposed for the public marina area, although no set timetable is in place for getting started. Projects under consideration include upgrading the restrooms by adding heat, making them compatible with the Americans With Disabilities Act, and possibly adding showers. Paving the parking area is also proposed.
However, Sherwood said those plans would be funded on a "money-available" basis, and were not a top priority.
"As much as we want to improve recreational opportunities in the area, that just doesn't generate jobs, and that has to be our main focus," Sherwood said.
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