PORT TOWNSEND — When it comes to repairing Quincy Street Dock, the Port of Port Townsend can choose the expensive option now or the twice-as-expensive option later.
The port commissioners called a special meeting Tuesday afternoon to discuss repair possibilities for the dock, which has been condemned for the past 12 years.
Shortly before the meeting, Deputy Port Director Jim Pivarnik received an estimate of $75,000 to build supports to the dock, although these repairs would not necessarily make the dock safe for pedestrians.
The estimate involves sinking four steel poles and building a platform to support the old ferry dock, which is now at an angle after collapsing two years ago.
“We have a pulley system keeping it in place, but that isn’t going to last,” said Port Executive Director Larry Crockett.
“It could come apart on a Saturday evening in the middle of a violent storm, and it will cost us $150,000 to fix — so in some ways $75,000 is a reasonable estimate.”
Even if it is reasonable, $75,000 is significantly higher than the $50,000 that Pivarnik expected.
The three commissioners took no action on the matter, accepting Pivarnik’s request to explore all the options and present a report at the Oct. 27 regular meeting.
Clam Cannery owner Kevin Harris has paid the port $2,000 a year for the past 10 years as an option to develop the dock, but has no formal plans in place.
Pivarnik said he will contact Harris so that any port spending is compatible with Harris’ plans.
“If we were to spend $75,000, I would rather use the money to develop it the way Kevin wants it developed than to put in a transfer span that’s worthless.” Pivarnik said.
“It would then be a mighty expensive placeholder,” Crockett said.
“I think we have time and are overreacting by thinking we need to get this done quickly,” Pivarnik said.
“I would like to explore other options before making a commitment.”
One option is to suspend the support from the two towers, which would cost around $30,000.
This is less than ideal, according to Pivarnik, “because those hinges could break and the whole thing could come down.”
Another possibility is to take down the entire dock and build something new, but that option is the least desirable and the most expensive due to permit requirements, according to Pivarnik.
The $75,000 repair project would take three days and could use a crane that is already in the vicinity, he said.
The commissioners agreed that it was important to get the work done before the winter, at which time a storm could increase costs.
Ultimately, the goal is to have a facility that fits into the pedestrian-friendly plans for downtown.
“I would like to have a port dock extending out into the bay even if we aren’t here to see it,” said Commissioner Dave Thompson.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
