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Council hears wide cost range for marine‑debris removal, staff says shoreline protection must accompany vessel removal
Summary
Staff told council the marine debris removal effort has a small federal grant and a wide cost range in early estimates: $2–4 million for removing vessels but broader shoreline work could reach tens of millions or as much as $77.5 million in high‑level estimates; staff recommended debris removal be paired with shoreline stabilization and regulatory coordination.
City staff updated the council that the city has pursued federal funding for a marine debris removal and shoreline stabilization project and has begun grant re‑submittals with NOAA. Community Development and Public Works staff stressed that debris removal alone is not recommended: shoreline protection needs to be coordinated with debris extraction to avoid destabilizing the shoreline.
"When we put the cost together for the grant application the 1st time around, we estimated about $77,500,000," a staff presenter said, summarizing the variability and the multiple technical drivers that affect cost estimates, including environmental review, BCDC preference for natural shoreline treatments and the engineering required. Staff also indicated earlier, narrower salvage estimates to move vessels ranged from about $2–4 million.
Council asked whether sinking vessels in place for habitat would be an option; staff answered that shallow water, mudline embedding and unknown vessel contents (lead paint, other hazardous materials) make leaving hulks in place unlikely without substantial environmental review. Staff told council the current congressional appropriation and NOAA grant resubmittal will be perfected before funds are available and emphasized the project will be multi‑year and interdepartmental.
Why it matters: downtown shoreline stability, public access, environmental review and large capital cost implications make this a major multi‑year project that could influence other capital priorities. Council asked staff to return with more refined scopes and cost ranges and to coordinate with BCDC and private property owners.
