HARPSWELL — Work on the Mackerel Cove boat launch is set to begin next Monday, Nov. 26.
The project will replace the deteriorated, pothole-ridden boat ramp with a new, concrete boat ramp. The launch will be larger than its predecessor, about 4 feet wider.
Voters authorized an additional $40,000 for the project in June after Maine Department of Environmental Protection requirements for the project increased the estimated cost above the $60,000 estimate. According to Harpswell Harbormaster Paul Plummer, the department does not allow pavement to be placed below the high tide line. Instead, the town will be replacing the current ramp with two large concrete slabs, which are more expensive than the pavement was expected to be. That increased the total amount of money allotted for the project at $100,000.
The repairs could cost significantly less than that, however. The town has contracted with Ray Labbe and Sons for the repairs, which estimated a $79,600 price tag for the work. While costs could go up due to unforeseen challenges during the work, the town could save $20,000 from what they expected to spend if Labbe estimates pan out.
The Mackerel Cove boat launch is frequently used by fisherman, as well as recreational boaters.
“A lot of commercial fishing boats use it because it’s such a protective cove,” said Plummer. “It’s pretty important for that area.”
Plummer said that the new, wider boat ramp would be more convenient for larger vessels and make it less likely for accidents to occur as boats were launched into the water.
The project is expected to take about two weeks to complete, as the work can only be done at low tide, according to Deputy Town Administrator Terri-Lynn Sawyer.
The boat launch will not be open while the work to replace it is going on. Plummer noted that the commercial fishermen who use the ramp most often were given plenty of notice that the boat launch would be closed and have made arrangements so that their business will not be too severely impacted by the construction.
Other boat launch projects are also on the docket in Harpswell. Earlier this month, voters approved allocating $25,000 for improvements to the Pott’s Point boat launch, which is in addition to the $25,000 previously appropriated for the project. That $50,000 will be matched by that state for a total of $100,000 through a Small Harbor Improvement grant.
The town is also applying for Small Harbor Improvement grants in order to build a boat launch and floating pier system at Mitchell Field for public use. The former Navy pier at Mitchell Field was demolished and removed earlier this year, clearing the way for the two projects.
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