Cape Charles Town Council Moves to Replace Failed Harbor Contractor, Advance Boardwalk Repairs

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Town Council on Thursday moved to keep a key waterfront project on track after the contractor hired for the second phase of boardwalk reconstruction defaulted on its contract due to bankruptcy.

During a special meeting on Dec. 4, town staff briefed council members on the status of ongoing repairs to the harbor boardwalk, a structure built atop the bulkhead in the outer harbor. A marine engineering evaluation by Langley & McDonald found earlier this year that the boardwalk required continued repair to extend its service life. A detailed inspection later revealed widespread deterioration, including rotted decking, stringers and battens.

The town has developed a three-phase plan to rebuild the boardwalk using pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact and synthetic decking. The first phase — 139 linear feet near the bathhouse — was completed in the spring.

Council in September awarded a $120,000 contract to Carolina Marine Structures Inc. for the second phase, covering 380 linear feet. But the company filed for bankruptcy after performing only partial demolition, forcing the town to halt the project. No payments were made before the default.

Town staff invited the three remaining bidders from the original procurement to submit revised bids reflecting the demolition already completed. Three proposals arrived by Nov. 26. The lowest came from Harmonia Contracting Inc., but staff raised concerns that the unusually low price may render the offer nonresponsible under the Virginia Public Procurement Act.

A proposed Determination of Nonresponsibility — based on the low bid and previous experience with the firm — was presented to council for approval. If adopted, the town manager would begin the formal notification and determination process outlined in state law.

Staff told council that selecting the next-lowest bidder, Pratte Construction Inc., would best serve the public interest. The partially demolished boardwalk now poses a safety risk, officials said, and Pratte holds the required state contractor’s license, is not debarred, and previously served as the subcontractor for the first phase, delivering what staff called “a high-quality product.”

The fiscal year 2025 budget includes $129,000 for the work. Staff recommended authorizing the town manager to award Pratte a $123,380 contract with an additional $5,620 contingency for any damage uncovered during reconstruction.

Council’s actions Thursday clear the way for the town manager to issue the nonresponsibility determination and advance the contract award, ensuring repairs to the harbor boardwalk can resume without further delay.

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Wayne Creed

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