Harbor Commission backs ‘Option E’ for King Harbor boat launch, recommends grant application

The Redondo Beach Harbor Commission voted to recommend “Option E” as the preferred site for a new public boat launch on Mole D and authorized staff to apply to the California Division of Boating and Waterways for construction funding, during its meeting on Oct. 13, 2025.

Project manager Dave Schrove of the City of Redondo Beach told commissioners that the DBW grant would pay for construction and permitting “100%” and that the city must supply a council resolution plus a preferred location as part of the February 2026 grant application.

Why it matters: the grant covers up-front construction and permitting but the launch must meet local Measure C constraints and state permitting requirements. Commissioners and the public focused on boater safety in King Harbor’s narrow channels, pedestrian conflicts at the promenade and the environmental and permitting risks that would make some locations costlier or harder to permit.

Staff and consultant findings and recommendation

Dave Schrove and Jerry Holcomb of Moffatt & Nichol presented background, technical studies and three initial location options shown at a public workshop on Sept. 23. Consultants reported a demand study supporting two launch lanes, which would require 60 trailer parking spaces and would meet DBW minimum criteria. A parking and circulation study concluded the harbor’s existing 719 stalls would still accommodate waterfront uses after construction, leaving an estimated 525 stalls remaining.

The presentation summarized earlier feasibility work that eliminated Mole A, B and C from primary consideration because of storm surge exposure, traffic conflicts, narrow…