Port stumped for solution

Published 1:00 pm Saturday, December 16, 2006

What do you get when you combine three tree stumps and a large beam? Why, it’s the foundation for the Port of Coupeville building on Front Street, of course.

Unfortunately those stumps are deteriorating and officials are looking for a way to fix the foundation before the building collapses.

“You can take your pencil and stick it into any one of the stumps,” said Jim Patton, executive director for the Port of Coupeville.

Port officials have been trying to find a contractor to strengthen the building’s foundation. However, only one contractor has bid on the project.

Patton said he would like a more competitive bidding process and the port is currently advertising the project in local newspapers.

He didn’t know exactly how much the project might cost, however, $40,000 has been budgeted for the repair work.

Patton said the foundation work won’t change the exterior of the building located on 24 Front St., at the foot of the historic Coupeville Wharf.