PORT ORCHARD — A design and engineering contract to replace the Port Orchard Marina’s breakwater was awarded to PND Engineers of Anchorage, Alaska, by the Port of Bremerton commissioners at their meeting Sept. 8.

The current breakwater was built in 1974 and is at the end of its service life, according to the commissioners. Port officials estimate the contract amount will be approximately $1.5 million. Constructed to protect the Port Orchard Marina and 341 tenant boat slips, the breakwater also provides 3,000 feet of moorage to guest boaters.

Port Commissioner Gary Anderson said in a news release that the project is significant for the marina, which provides $10.7 million in sales revenue to the community.

“Preserving and enhancing the marina for future generations is vitally important and an obligation the port readily recognizes,” Anderson said in the release. “We are pleased to move the process forward towards our goal of replacing the breakwater to that end.”

Port officials said design and engineering will start immediately with a goal of starting construction late in 2022 or early the following year.

Marina Director James Weaver said PND Engineers was recognized by commissioners for the company’s involvement in helping develop a number of maritime projects in the Puget Sound region, including South Kitsap. He said the company always has performed “with an intent to maximize the investment value of facilities to benefit the port and the citizens for decades to come.”

About half of the design costs are being covered by capital funding from the state, officials added.