The Shelter Island Boat Launch Ramp, a vital asset for San Diego's boating community, is on its way toward much-needed repairs. The Port of San Diego has confirmed that work on the ramp's west side will start between December and January, with completion projected in early spring. While acknowledging the inconvenience imposed on boaters, the Port has extended an apology, simultaneously requesting the community's patience through this period.
First noted in June 2023, the damage to the west floating dock, significant in scale due to sand accumulation causing it to bottom out, prompted safety concerns leading to its closure. However, according to a press release from the Port of San Diego, the east side floating docks have remained open and accessible for the public's use. Investigative work by Port engineering and consultants surmised that widened wave attenuation gaps in the western wall and deteriorated filter fabric contributed to the unforeseen issue, compounded by the strong winter storms.
Addressing the complex nature of the project, stifled by in-water work limitations, permit procurements, and the original dock's custom design, the Port has been navigating through an arduous planning phase. Clearances required by the Coastal and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) were received in late 2023 and spring 2024, respectively, which stipulated eelgrass preservation during sand removal. As the USACE permits were issued, the final design documents were completed by June, with construction documents following in July, attracting four bids by August 20. The new dock, contracted directly with Bellingham Marine, is to cost $266,114.
The Board of Port Commissioners approved a construction contract with Harbour Construction Company yesterday for $386,775. The total repair and replacement costs are nearing $717,000. The officials expect that the repair and restoration efforts will last 90 days after the new dock is delivered.
