KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The area that is proposed for filling in Saint Herman Harbor is colored in yellow. If the project moves forward, up to 25 additional parking spaces for cars and boat trailers would be created. Map City of Kodiak
For anyone who’s tried to launch or retrieve their pleasure craft or park their trailer around the boat launch at Saint Herman Harbor on a sunny day, this should be welcome news: The city has plans to install a turnaround and increase parking by 27,000 square feet adjacent to the current ramp.
The plan, according to Harbormaster Marty Owens, started out as a way to conveniently dispose of rock dredged from the entrances to Saint Herman and Saint Paul harbors.
However, plans have changed a bit. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers suggested the dredged rock can be dropped in the deep end of Saint Herman Harbor at a lower cost. So instead of dropping the idea for enlarging the parking around the ramp, Owen said the plan is to use rock from the existing quarry on Near Island for fill.
The only funds that have been designated for the project so far are for the permitting process. Owen says construction funds have not yet even been requested.
The project would add up to 25 new parking spaces. The Army Corps of Engineers is taking comments through September 23rd.
