Washington is seeking money to help pay for repairing the bulkhead at Havens Gardens, a project estimated to cost about $430,000.

To improve its chances of obtaining the money, the council said it is willing for the city to provide money to the project, possibly up to $100,000.

The City Council, during its meeting Monday, gave the green light to seeking the money from the state’s Marine Resources Fund. The pre-application for the project money must be submitted by Friday. During its June meeting, the city’s Recreation Advisory Committee recommended the city pursue funding for the project through the Marine Resources Fund. The bulkhead is continuing to deteriorate.

“There is no minimum or maximum that we can ask for. The gentleman I spoke to with the granting agency said that projects range anywhere from $50,000 up to $300,000 or $400,000,” said Kristi Roberson, the city’s parks and recreation director. Roberson said she was told that if the city asked for smaller amounts and did the project in phases, it would stand a better chance of receiving money for the project.

Councilman Doug Mercer said he prefers not doing the project in phases, and he also said he believes the $430,000 estimate to complete the project is low. Mercer asked Roberson if a contribution by the city toward the project’s cost would improve the city’s chances of receiving money from the fund.

“I can give the gentleman a call in the morning (Tuesday) and let him know the conversation that went on tonight (Monday) and see what his direction is, and if he feels like we would have a good chance if the city committed a significant amount of money to that, we would move forward with that.” Roberson said.

Mercer said, “The last thing about this, and I appreciate you bringing this to us so soon, is that you’ve got an opportunity now, and you’ve got a 12-month window to work in. Typically we come up here and we’ve got to have something last week.”

Initially, city staff proposed doing the project in phases.

“It is recommended to complete this project in two phases, beginning on the bridge side and completed an estimated 700 feet of bulkhead. Phase 1 would cost an estimated $215,00.00. The grant does not require a match, however (it) would be a stronger application if the City provided a 10% match,” wrote in a memorandum provided to the mayor and council last week. All contracts for projects receiving money from the Marine Resources Fund would begin no sooner than July 1, 2017, according to the memorandum.

 

BACKGROUND

The repair of the bulkhead at Havens Gardens is in Washington’s Capital Improvements Plan, and the city is seeking money to help pay for that project.

During its meeting Monday, the City Council is scheduled to discuss authorizing the city’s parks and recreation director to submit a pre-application for money from the state’s Marine Resources Fund. The estimated preliminary cost for the repair project is $430,000, according to the council’s tentative agenda for its meeting.

In April 2009, the council authorized further development of an improvement plan for Havens Gardens. At that April 2009 meeting, the council endorsed Concept C, the preferred plan for modifying the waterfront park, which abuts the Pamlico River and Runyon Creek. Concept C included improved walkways near the park that connect neighborhoods, Jack’s Creek greenway and public facilities such as Veterans Park. It also noted the need for repairing or replace the bulkhead at the waterfront park. In March, the council gave the green light to the city seeking funds to help build a new fishing pier at Havens Gardens.

Other proposed improvements at Havens Gardens include a loop walking trail west of the parking lot, a shelter on the west end of Havens Gardens so it overlooks the Pamlico River, a fenced-in play area for small children and adding facilities for a splash park, bocce and beach volleyball. A kayak launch at the adjacent boat ramps is in the works.

The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 102 E. Second St. To view the council’s agenda for a specific meeting, visit the city’s web­site at www.washingtonnc.gov, click “Government” then “City Council” heading, then click “Meeting Agendas” on the menu to the right. Then click on the date for the appropriate agenda.