Port gets update on Boyer project

Debbie Snell, properties and development manager for the Port of Whitman County, reported on the Boyer Park and Marina project at the port meeting Thursday, Jan. 10.

“The design drawings are going to be submitted to the permitting sub-consultant by Friday, and then the sub-consultants will be discussing things with the U.S. Army Corps,” said Snell, “Things are moving forward in terms of getting the drawings to the permitting.”

The port has received a $275,000 grant to design and receive a permit for an anticipated construction grant for refurbishing the docks in the marina. After the design work is concluded, the port plans to apply for a construction grant from the state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) for work which is anticipated to be in the $1 million range. Boyer has eight docks.

Boyer Park and Marina property is owned by the Corps and the Port needs permission from them for any changes to the facilities.

Snell reminded the commissioners that the plan is to get permits for the entire project proposal but will opt for an alternate for the actual construction.

The Port also approved an additional contract with Mott MacDonald consultants to evaluate docks for potential rehabilitation. A Mott MacDonald staffer is scheduled to conduct detailed inspections of docks three through seven on Jan. 18.