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Gladstone looks at repairs to boardwalk

GLADSTONE — Plans are underway to repair Gladstone’s boardwalk that was damaged by high water levels in recent years.

The Gladstone Downtown Development Authority recently discussed a funding request for the boardwalk, which has been rendered unsafe due to high water.

K & M Industrial has provided a $400,000 estimate for renovating the boardwalk in two areas, by 4th Street park and by Saunders Point. The DDA is writing a grant application for $200,000–the maximum allowed for the construction project–with a 50% match from the city of Gladstone. The city has approved $100,000 for the project, with another $100,000 needed to fulfill the financial commitment on Gladstone’s part.

When asked if the DDA has received any other quotes thus far, DDA member Jason Davis said no, that this quote was for the purpose of applying for a grant. Going forward, the DDA will have to send out requests for proposals.

Director of Parks and Recreation Jason Davis said that several changes will be made to the structure of the boardwalk to ensure its future integrity. Caissons will be driven into the ground for support to the sections of the boardwalk that sit on the sand. Steel I-beams and bracings will be welded to the caissons. The decking will be placed on top of these supports at a higher elevation than before to prevent future problems from high water.

When asked whether money left over from the bike path could be used for the boardwalk, Davis answered that no money was left over as it was used for the Little Bay de Noc Trail. Davis also said that the project cannot be spread over four budget years because the grant period for construction is 15 months, starting in October, 2021.

Chase said they need to get back downtown to help the local businesses and parking. He is not in favor of putting the money into the boardwalk, unless they can go with a $50,000 commitment for each of two years, he will support it. A motion was passed to split the city’s $100,000 commitment into two payments. The DDA then passed a motion that the DDA’s commitment will not exceed $50,000 per year. The grant does not include updates to the campground area, which will be considered a different project.

Linda Howlett asked what Davis’s estimate of success is in getting the grant, pointing out that there will be a lot of competition because Gladstone is not the only coastal city effected by the high water levels. Davis said he’s optimistic, but it will be a while before they know, as the grant is to be awarded August-September of 2021.

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