On September 11, the Port of Everett awarded American Construction Company Inc., which had the lowest bid of $6.5 million, a contract to begin the Central Marina Improvement project. Part of the project will be funded by a $1.4 million grant from the federal Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG). The grant is administrated by the state’s Recreational Conservation Office.
“Last night’s contract award was a major milestone for the Port,” said Glen Bachman, Port Commission President. “The elements of this project are critical for implementing the Port’s vision of a mixed-use waterfront that creates synergies between the upland properties and the marina.”
The Port of Everett operates the largest public marina on the West Coast. The Central Marina dates to the mid-1960s and is in need of improvement. The Port set a goal of rebuilding their marina facilities over the next 30 years, a project that began in 2006. The funding will pay for several key milestones in the refurbishing of the marina.
The current project will cover the completion of the new guest dock, the activity float at the base of the Fisherman’s Harbor, and the dredging of the eastern portion of the Central Marina. The construction of K Dock, which will cater to yacht-class vessels—and L Dock—which will accommodate commercial fishing vessels, will also be completed.
“The Port staff did a tremendous job navigating the many challenges that finally got us to this day,” said Lisa Lefeber, the Port’s acting CEO. She also acknowledged the staff’s role in developing a process for new marina dredging permits, navigating unforeseen hiccups, and selecting new dock designs. “I want to recognize our Environmental Director Erik Gerking for leading the regulatory process to secure our marina dredging permit, our Permitting Specialist Laura Gurley for leading the effort with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Project Manager Brandon Whitaker for pulling all the pieces together,” she continued.
Construction is expected to begin in October and projected to be completed by May 2019, while the new hotel and SE Millwright Loop Road will open in June 2019. At that time, the Port will open the public access part of the Fisherman’s Harbor Project. The Port is slated to begin work on the Central G Dock rebuild and the final placements of the boathouses after the current project is completed.
