Portage Cove Harbor Expansion FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
Portage Cove Harbor Expansion

1) Will there be any extra slips added in Phase I of the harbor expansion? No slips will be added. However, with no additional funding required, the added piles will allow for the reconfiguration of floats currently in the harbor and the addition of approximately 510 linear feet of extra tie-up space.

2) When is Phase I scheduled for completion? June 2018.

3) How much have we spent on the Portage Cove Harbor Expansion? $2.9 million of $19.5 million in grant funds.

4) What additional capabilities will the harbor have at the completion of Phase I? Harbor staff estimate an additional 510 linear feet of tie-up space, full tidal use and security of F float, added wave protection for vessels currently impacted by waves, adequate parking, and allowance for additional funding for a new sport ramp. If the additive alternative of the inner harbor dredging is awarded, there will be increased safety for small crafts to maneuver along A float, increased safety for larger vessels along B float, and sufficient water depth for larger vessels to receive fuel and ice at all tide levels.

5) What is the estimated cost of Phase II (sport ramp) and who is going to pay for it? The current estimate is $3.2 million with additive alternates of $1.4 million. The Haines Borough has a verbal agreement with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to fund Phase II contingent upon an agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Fish and Game.

6) What are Phase III and IV? Phase III and IV are the drive-down float for the commercial fishermen and the moorage slips. There is no priority associated with which phase should happen first. Instead, borough staff recommends prioritizing these phases based upon available grant funding and/or community priority.

7) What will Phase III and IV cost? Cost estimates in 2016 are approximately $6 million for each of the phases. However, these estimates will vary based on final design and when the phases go to construction.

8) How long will the new breakwater last? With proper maintenance, the breakwater’s lifespan should exceed 75 years.

9) How long before anodes are required to be installed on the breakwater? Estimated seven years.

10) How long will the proposed anodes last before they will need to be replaced? The proposed anodes have a life expectancy of 15 years.

11) Can the parking lot be used immediately after phase one is completed? Yes, but it would be a gravel parking lot (similar to the Picture Point parking and park area). The ground is required to settle prior to paving or constructing any buildings.

12) Can we use the funding for the Lutak Dock? The manager and director of public facilities contacted the grant administrator and asked this question. The response was that we could try, but previous requests to re-appropriate funds had resulted in the loss of funding.