The September deadline for completion of the new Harper Pier has been moved back because of a backlog of orders for steel.
Port of Bremerton CEO Jim Rothlin made the announcement about the delay during the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce luncheon on June 12.
“At this time, the completion date is dependent on the timing of the large quantity of steel fabricated and delivered. We will know more once we learn from the contractors of their ability to get the pilings ordered and transported to the site,” said Rothlin. “Our current expectations for completion are sometime between October and January.”
Rothlin said the latest completion date would be January and the Friends of Harper Pier were OK with the delay on the $1.4 million structure.
“Being late is better than not at all,” Rothin said.
Rothlin said bids notices are due in June 25.
“By the times we get the bids we should be able to start construction on July 7 when the fish window opens,” said Rothlin.
According to an application with Kitsap County Department of Community Development, the port proposed to construct a 441-foot-long fixed pier at the same location as the previous Harper Pier. The new pier will contain approximately 21 steel pilings and 3,900 square feet of overwater structure, including a small moorage float located on the south end of the pier near the east end.
The pier will consist of an 8-foot-wide by 380-foot-long cat walk, a 16-foot-wide by 60-foot-long pier, a 6-foot-wide by 80-foot-long gangway and a 10-by-40-foot float.
Rothlin said the port allocated $131,000 toward the new pier, $500,000 came from the Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account grants and $776,000 from the Department of Commerce.
Clean-up date set
James Heytvelt posted on the Friends of Facebook page that a beach cleanup has been set from 8 a.m. to noon July 12 at the pier.
“This will be made easier by the low tide that day,” Heytvelt wrote.
He reported that volunteers will be needed as spotters, pickers, carriers, photographers and people also can be used to document the debris that is picked up. Also, beach captains will be need to explain what needs to be picked up.
“Please tell your friends and their friends,” Heyvelt said. “The more people the easier and quicker the task will be.”
No machines are allowed on the beach.
“This is an opportunity to pay forward having the use of a new pier for the next generations,” wrote Heytvelt.
This beach clean up is required by the state as mitigation for construction of the new pier. It is the final step before beginning the construction of the pier.
“I am very pleased to have this project moving forward. It is with great pride that we were able to bring back this popular amenity to our district,” said Port Commissioner Larry Stokes. “I would personally like to thank Senator Tim Sheldon and Congressman Derek Kilmer for their support in getting funding for this project.”
Due to limited parking, volunteers can park at Harper Park baseball fields (3500 SE Southworth Dr.) and walk along the sidewalk. Use caution when crossing Southworth Drive, traffic volumes can be high and present a safety hazard.
Do not conduct clean-up activities outside the designated date and time to respect land owners’ properties and to allow all clean-up activities to be properly documented.
