Visitors to Block Island this summer will find rebuilt docks and a new harbormaster facility at the island’s Old Harbor port. After years of planning, the town is nearing completion on a project to shore up its facilities in Old Harbor.
New Shoreham Town Manager Nancy Dodge recently discussed the project and its status.
PBN: First off, can you tell us a little about the Old Harbor project?
DODGE: It is the reconstruction of the south and west docks in the Old Harbor, the replacement of the steel bulkhead adjacent to the south dock, the demolition and then reconstruction of the harbormaster building with its bathroom and shower facilities and associated utility work.
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PBN: How much of the project is aimed at serving tourists to the island?
DODGE: The west dock houses the island’s commercial fishermen and the south dock provides berthing for charter fishermen who cater to the tourist industry along with the transient pleasure boats that visit during the summer season.
PBN: What is the current status of the project? When is it supposed to be completed?
DODGE: The docks and the harbormaster building are slated for completion by June 15 and they are on schedule.
PBN: I understand that the project is a long time in the making. What had to be accomplished before you could put shovels in the ground?
DODGE: The dock repair and reconstruction have been worked on for many years. The failing bulkhead was recognized in 2004 and the project was finally put together and bid twice. The town authorized additional funding for the second bid and it was awarded in November of 2009.
A discovery of an area of contaminated soil and certain other difficulties led to the termination of the initial contract by mutual agreement and the subsequent award to Reagan Construction Corp. in June 2010. Construction began in October of 2010.
PBN: Any plans to undertake similar work elsewhere in the harbor or is this all for now?
DODGE: In the fall of 2011 the Army Corps of Engineers is reconstructing the east dock in the Old Harbor. The dock is owned by the Corps and leased to the town. This project is going out to bid now.
