Posted on November 30, 2017
By Brian Cameron, North Coast Citizen
“Keeping the boat basin dredged is critical for the safety of all mariners and can make the difference to our many small business’s ability to be successful,” said Michael Saindon, Manager, Port of Garibaldi. “With the help of the Port of Coos Bay and the State-owned dredge, we can keep the port dredged at a reasonable cost and not have to incur debt to keep the Port running.”
Mobilizing “The Laura,” an Ellicot-360SL Swing Ladder Suction Dredge, which is owned by the State of Oregon and operated out of the Port of Coos Bay, the operation involved physically moving “The Laura” from the southern Oregon coast port of call to Garibaldi by means of a low-boy truck transport.
Used for annual maintenance dredging of various seaports along the Oregon Coast, “The Laura” is operated by the State of Oregon and is intended to keep the myriad shipping channels safe and navigable for watercraft throughout the State. Due to the fact that the Port of Garibaldi is having issues with boats resting on the bottom during low tide, and a valid and active dredging permit, it made sense for “The Laura” to venture northward to assist in some much needed Port maintenance for Garibaldi.
According to the Port of Coos Bay, currently dredging projects are selected each year based on severity and need, permitting and availability of funding. Working with the State of Oregon and a committee of ocean and river ports the Port of Coos Bay has established a selection process for dredging coast-wide due to a significant need at a number of ports.
“We are lucky to have the opportunity to get the dredging operations going this winter,” said Saindon. “It’ll significantly help us with the boat basin.”
The dredging operations are scheduled to take place from Oct. 16 to Dec. 21 and will see “The Laura” and her support vessel the “Ms. SoCo” to the Port of Garibaldi, as well as the Charleston Marina.
Source: North Coast Citizen
