Town Council Approves Harbor Repair Contract

The Cape Charles Town Council recently made a significant decision aimed at preserving and enhancing the town’s coastal infrastructure. In a unanimous vote, the council approved a contract award for the Inshore Breakwater Repair & Reinforcement and Inner Harbor Bulkhead Rehabilitation projects.

The Inshore Breakwater Repair & Reinforcement project will focus on restoring, repairing, and strengthening the existing breakwater structure. Over time, wear and tear from natural forces, as well as collisions and vehicle strikes can compromise the integrity of these structures, necessitating repairs.

$180,000 is budgeted for repair and reinforcement of the inshore breakwater west of A-Dock that
was damaged by a large vessel strike. This includes installing new piles at the northern section, constructing a new dogleg section off the north end, and installing four 5-pile protective dolphins.

$306,000 is budgeted for replacing 54% of the king piles and lower horizontal wales supporting the vinyl bulkhead around the inner harbor. The bulkhead has been in service for about 20 years.

Three bids were received on July 19, 2023. The low bid from Marine Contracting Corporation was $420,000 for the base bid, $181,200 for Phase 2, and $171,870 for Phase 3 of the bulkhead work.

The funding shortfall for the breakwater is $84,200 and $49,750 for the bulkhead work.

Town Manager John Hozey told the Mirror, “The funding shortfall can be covered with existing maintenance/repair money and harbor contingency.  During our mid-year budget adjustment that typically occurs in December, I will likely recommend appropriating some of the current fund balance in the capital project fund to reimburse these accounts“.

About the Author

Wayne Creed

Administrator

View All Posts