Summer '09 promises to be busier than usual because of two major projects

PORT VIEW
By Bob McChesney
Executive director, Port of Edmonds

The summer season is suddenly upon us with all the subtlety of a train whistle at dawn. These are the busy months at the Port of Edmonds.

Boating traffic increases dramatically. The boardwalk is alive with visitors. Landscaping is in full bloom. It's fun to watch and be a part of.

Summer '09 promises to be somewhat busier than usual because of two major capital projects starting this month.

The first is the new Edmonds Yacht Club building. It will be located between The Landing and the Port's Administrative Offices, and will become the new home to the Edmonds Yacht Club, with banquet and reception space.

Construction was approved to begin this week. Completion and occupancy is scheduled for early 2010.
There are likely to be congestion and detours during construction, but inconvenience for parking and pedestrians should be minimal. Public access to the promenade will be open. The work area will be fenced off for safety and there is additional visitor parking across Admiral Way.

Another project soon to start is the replacement of the gangway to M/N dock. The existing ramp is too short, which causes it to become overly steep during low tides.

This creates a hardship for access, especially for disabled persons or boaters hauling gear in a dock cart. The Port commissioners authorized a $57,500 contract to replace the gangway. The project will begin after the July 15 fish window.

The fish window is a period during which no in-water construction activity is permitted. The intent is to accommodate migrating juvenile salmonids. In-water construction is thought to disrupt fish migration patterns.

The fish window happens every year.

Construction will involve a mobile crane to lift the old ramp out, and place the new one. Access to M/N dock is expected to be closed for no more than a day or two.

And speaking of salmon, it's expected to be a very good year with harvestable returns in several species categories for sport fishermen. So get your boat ready!

Meanwhile, through it all, the Port of Edmonds remains open for business; full service. Please come down and see where it's happening, and bring your kids too.