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Residents urge swift replacement of Eddie’s Hook boat launch; staff says RFP near completion
Summary
Dozens of speakers at the Port Angeles public hearing urged the city to move beyond FEMA 'repair-in-kind' limits and fast-track an RFP to pursue state and federal grants for a new Eddie’s Hook boat launch; public works staff said an RFP is under final review and will define FEMA scope and any funding shortfall.
Nick Roberts, a longtime resident, presented a petition he said contained 1,382 signatures and asked the council to "keep the pressure on the parks department" to replace Eddie’s Hook boat launch rather than settle for a FEMA-funded "like-for-like" repair. "We need a completely new, modernized boat launch built to handle today's safety demands," Roberts said, arguing the current ramp is unsafe and costing local businesses marine-recreation revenue.
Other speakers echoed his call. Diana Hosi described the launch as a barrier for residents with mobility limitations, saying its uneven surfaces and failing infrastructure make boarding unsafe. Ward Duncum and other longtime users warned that the ramp has been functionally out of service for more than three years after bulkhead removal and storm damage and urged the council to prioritize replacement, not piecemeal fixes.
Public works staff told the council the city is moving that work forward. "The RFP is in my hands," said Scott (public works). He said staff is finishing an RFP this month to define what a modernized structure would require, and that process is needed to determine what FEMA will cover and what additional funding the city must pursue. Scott said FEMA typically funds restoration of the structure that existed before the disaster, not necessarily a new design that meets current regulations, and the RFP will clarify the scope and the budget shortfall.
Mayor Kate Dexter and several council members acknowledged the urgency the public expressed and indicated the boat‑launch repair/replacement will remain a top priority in the capital facilities planning process. Council members encouraged staff to seek alternative grant sources, coordinate with partners including tribal and state agencies, and return with a funding plan.
The public record and staff statements at the June 2 meeting made two practical points clear: residents want a modern, accessible replacement, and staff needs the RFP to determine what FEMA will cover and how much additional grant or local funding will be required to achieve that replacement.
What comes next: Public works will finalize and publish the RFP, and staff said it will brief council and stakeholders on the resulting design options and the funding gap. The CFP public hearing was continued to the council’s June 16 meeting, where updates and further direction are expected.
