Now that the long-anticipated Commercial Fishing Homeport is more than just plans on paper, the city of Gig Harbor has embarked on finalizing the project’s particulars, such as setting competitive moorage rates and working out regulations. But it may also cost more to build than originally estimated.
The city has planned since 2012 to build a commercial fishing dock at Ancich Park to provide moorage for up to 17 local commercial fishing vessels. It finally secured federal approval to build the dock after several rejected attempts that primarily revolved around environmental impact mitigation. The city hearing examiner approved the project’s required shoreline permit in June.
Possibly more than expected
City staff told the Gig Harbor City Council at a study session meeting on July 16 that the project, which is out to bid, may cost a little more than $5 million. The previous projected cost was $3.4 million. Contributions from the Gig Harbor Commercial Fishermen’s Club ($200,000) and the Port of Tacoma ($150,000) brought the city’s responsibility down to $3.05 million.
City Public Works Director Jeff Langhelm said that a city consultant adjusted the top range for the construction contract, which is now set at $4.2 million. He explained in a later email to Gig Harbor Now that the previous construction estimate was developed in late 2023.
“The project permit conditions have been established and the city has finalized the project contract documents for public bidding. Therefore, the city’s consultant has updated the construction cost estimate to reflect actual permit conditions and increased construction costs since late 2023,” he said…