POULSBO — Construction of a new paid-parking lot in downtown Poulsbo is under way. The Port of Poulsbo is developing the new parking lot for boaters with room for trailers off Jensen Way near Moe Street.

Port Commissioner Arnie Bockus said the port hasn’t determined how much users will be charged, or if there will be designated public stalls as well.

Sound Excavation is leveling the lot, formerly the North Kitsap Armory site, and constructing the lot and retaining walls. Port Manager Kirk Stickels said the project will cost $236,000 and is expected to be completed early next year.

The lot will provide 52 stalls, a needed increase over the 12 parking spots for boaters near the Marine Science Center. However, there is little availability for boat trailers, and boaters compete with shoppers for spots on Anderson Parkway.

In 2009, the state shut down the North Kitsap Armory; the Port purchased the site for $511,000, according to Stickels (an earlier story cited the appraised value, $880,000, as the sales price). The port planned to demolish the building and repave the lot for paid parking stalls by early 2011, but didn’t submit its permit until later in the year.

Bockus said the commission will wait till further along construction before deciding on parking fees.