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Harrison County declares emergency to repair eroding Bluffsey Lighthouse boardwalk
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Summary
County supervisors declared an emergency and authorized expedited bids and up to $5,000 in consultant review after staff warned that roughly 200 feet of the Bluffsey Lighthouse boardwalk has settled, creating a potential public-safety hazard near handicap parking.
Harrison County supervisors voted to declare an emergency and authorize expedited procurement to repair an eroding section of the Bluffsey Lighthouse boardwalk, after staff described a settled 200-foot stretch that includes a 14-inch drop near handicap parking.
County staff told supervisors the settled section is an "attractive nuisance" and a "clear and present danger to the public," and urged faster procurement to reduce the time residents are exposed to the hazard. Unidentified Speaker 8 said: "It's a clear and present danger to the public." Unidentified Speaker 9 added, "I think that's an emergency situation."
Staff presented two repair approaches. A full demo-and-rebuild was estimated at roughly $250,000–$300,000, while a retrofit using helical piles (screw-like anchors) and flowable-fill under the boardwalk was estimated at roughly $200,000–$225,000 and would take weeks rather than months, staff said. The helical-pile approach drives anchors down 20–25 feet and then jacks the structure before placing flowable fill to prevent future sinking, staff explained.
Supervisors voted to declare the emergency, authorized limited consultant review of the original design firm on an as-needed, capped basis, and directed staff to solicit competitive bids under an accelerated timetable. The motion included authorization for up to $5,000 in consultant vetting to ensure bid packages are complete; the board indicated it would still receive bids and return for contract award, with staff aiming to present an award in January.
The board discussed potential funding sources, including remaining amounts from a near-complete parking-garage contract, and said staff should pursue all available internal options before returning with a plan. The motion carried by voice vote. The board will bring bids and a proposed contract back for award at a later meeting.
Why this matters: the affected boardwalk section provides access near designated handicap parking; county staff stressed the combination of drop-off and proximity to public parking increases risk of injury and justifies an emergency procurement to speed repairs.
