New Poulsbo breakwater close to being done

By Nicholas Zeller-Singh North Kitsap Herald • July 17, 2023 1:30 am
The new floating breakwater is expected to be completed end of August to early September. Port of Poulsbo courtesy photo
The new floating breakwater is expected to be completed end of August to early September. Port of Poulsbo courtesy photo

The Port of Poulsbo breakwater replacement has reached a milestone in the process of updating the 60-year-old structure.

The installation of the new floating breakwater has been completed, and all utilities are operational. The structure has completed step nine of 10 during July. The final step includes the breakwater being fitted with new 30- and 50-foot finger piers for transient moorage.

The piers are being delayed from the Bellingham Marine, but the port expects them to be installed by late August or early September 2023. Once installed, the floating breakwater will be open to the public.

Some of the amenities on the new breakwater include power pedestals, a floating restroom, lighting, safety ladders, and equipment and security upgrades.

In addition, the wave energy is projected to increase by up to 20% because of unrestricted flow beneath the floating breakwater.

The project was able to be finished because of $1 million from the state Recreation and Conservation Office, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provided $1.44 million, and Elliot Bay Marina donated used concrete floats.