PORT LUDLOW — A waiting list for boats 36 feet and longer has led developer Port Ludlow Associates to propose the addition of a new dock with 66 slips at Port Ludlow Marina.
An application is now before the Army Corps of Engineers, which is seeking public comments until Sunday.
“The community continues to grow, and [even] with the slowdown in the economy, the waiting list remains,” said Kori Ward, marina manager for 18 years.
She said the sluggish economy has shortened the waiting list to a year and a half compared with a three-year wait five years ago.
Part of 10-year plan
The marina expansion proposal is part of Port Ludlow Associates’ 10-year plan that has upgraded concrete docks originally built in the 1970s.
The proposal is to extend a new F Dock from the west half of the marina, expanding the present 280-slip marina. Slips for boats up to 60 feet long would be added.
Wheelchair ramps would be added.
Miriam Villiard, Port Ludlow Associates marina project lead, said the project could cost between $2 million and $4 million.
It would include replacing the kayak floats, fuel dock, dinghy and seaplane floats with the goal of reducing the shade created over shallow waters in the marina, which benefits salmon habitat.
About 66 pilings will have to be driven for the project.
Reduce impact
The project would result in a reduction 995 square feet of shallow water coverage and an increase of 22,577 square feet of deep water coverage, which reduces the impact on shallow-water salmon habitat.
New and replaced structures would be grated to allow light to reach the water.
When work begins on the project depends on when the corps permit is secured, Villiard said, adding that the developer also will have to seek a shoreline permit from the Jefferson County Department of Community Development.
Work would be conducted during the allowed state Department of Fish and Wildlife window for salmon migration July 16 to Feb. 15.
Villiard said representatives of Port Ludlow Associates met with community members two years ago and then heard public comments, most of which have been supportive of the project.
“We have been working on this for 10 years, through several alterations,” Villiard said, adding it was a simple, straightforward project.
Written public comments can be mailed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch, P.O. Box 3755, Seattle, WA, 98124-3755 or e-mailed to erin.l.legge@usace.army.mil.
The comments must include the permit applicant’s name, Port Ludlow Associates, and permit application number, NWS-2009-00522.
To read the permit application, go to http://tinyurl.com/mrsakm and click on the permit number
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
