PORT TOWNSEND — Fearing that powerful storm waves could breach the Boat Haven’s already-damaged breakwater, Port of Port Townsend officials declared an emergency to expedite repairs.
Ken Radon, Port operations manager, said Tuesday that Port leaders were awaiting a third bid on the breakwater’s repair contract, which is expected within a week.
Port officials and a contractor have already surveyed the damage, confirming their concerns.
The Port commissioners last week declared the emergency, stating: “We need to take immediate action to re-establish the integrity of the structure before a serious storm event.”
Work is unlikely to raise environmental issues, said Radon.
“All the work is pretty much out of the tidal zone,” he said. “The damage is primarily above the ordinary high-water mark.”
‘Fast-tracking’ permits
Consequently, he said, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and city of Port Townsend are likely to move in “fast-tracking” the permit process.
