Barge here, dredging due soon

Progress toward rebuilding the Crescent City Harbor is becoming more visible after months of obtaining permits and funds.

An excavator barge to be used for dredging landed in the harbor about 7 a.m. Monday and the rest of the vessels for removing tsunami-deposited silt should arrive by week’s end.

“It’s a little bit ahead of schedule,” said Harbormaster Richard Young.

Tuesday, construction crews were repairing the breakwater on the west wall of the inner boat basin and a couple of buildings were being painted, which included a mural of the Crescent City Harbor on the Fashion Blacksmith building.

The barge repositioned itself into the inner harbor Tuesday afternoon and removed a few pilings, Young said.

“Dredging could start as soon as Friday,” said Young.

That would be 10 days sooner then expected.

The Dutra Group will work around the clock, seven days a week, trying to finish by Nov. 4, Young said.

Temporary docks should be installed by Oct. 17, officials have said.

The first phase of tsunami repairs, including installing temporary docks, removing pilings, dredging and repairing the rock slope protection in the basin, is expected to cost about $4.5 million.

The dredged material will be taken to an offshore dump site near Eureka.

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