JAMES CITY-Phase one of the renovation project at the James City County Marina has experienced delays and likely won’t be completed until December.
Progress is “a little slower than we would like,” County Administrator Scott Stevens said in a recent county podcast, adding that the project may not be done until the end of December.
The county is upgrading the marina along Powhatan Creek near Jamestown Settlement. The project, which involves replacement of deteriorating infrastructure that has been deemed unsafe and unusable, is being done in two phases. Construction for the first phase, which first began in November 2020, was expected to be completed this fall at a cost of just over $3 million.
As part of the renovation, the marina’s existing docks and piers are being demolished and replaced. The project also includes installation of a floating dock system, including gangways and fixed access piers, as well as installation of a living shoreline and other upgrades.
Issues with the project started before construction even began. The county only received one contracting bid in December 2019, so it had to delay the process and make adjustments in order to attract additional bidders. Soil conditions at the marina have led to additional delays.
Despite the challenges, Stevens is looking forward to citizens being able to utilize the marina again soon.
“We’ll all be very pleased with the finished project,” Stevens said.