It’s raining grant money on the harbor. The California Coastal Conservancy awarded two noteworthy grants to the Crescent City Harbor District last week.
The conservancy awarded $927,000 for the planning phase of a new citizens’ dock. A second grant from the conservancy for $450,000 for new bathrooms and outdoor showers on Anchor Way adjacent to South Beach was also awarded.
Project 1, the citizens’ dock, has a no cash matching requirement but approximately $237,000 of in-kind services will be provided by the CCHD. An examination of the aging dock found that 50 percent of the poles needed to be replaced and 90 percent of the poles had lost their original circumference.
The dock condition report submitted to the conservancy revealed the frail dock faces increased risk from climate-related hazards, including tsunami, storm surges and sea level rise. Commercial vehicle usage on the dock also compromises dock life expectancy.
The report further states a dock failure would create an economic catastrophe for commercial fisherman. The harbor district also plans to expand public access, provide a pedestrian walkway, seating, lighting and informational signage on this now-approved project.
Project 2, the bathroom and shower build-out, also requires no matching cash contribution but the Harbor will provide $167,000 with in-kind services during the planning and construction process of the project. Presently, there are only two port-a- potties and no shower services at the south beach location.
Assisting in the successful awarding of both grants was Community System Solutions.
Both projects will go out for bidding upon written acknowledgement and approval to the conservancy by commissioners at the upcoming CCHD meeting, Tuesday, April 18 at 2 p.m. at the harbor office.