Federal officials have announced this year’s renovation plan for Coos Bay’s North Jetty, and it includes almost $35 million worth of repairs to smooth navigation into the port.
The beach at Sunset Bay State Park near Coos Bay is popular during the summer.
Kerin Sharma, OPB
Waves have been deteriorating the jetty since it was constructed almost 100 years ago.
Mike Dunning is with the Port of Coos Bay. He says that the repairs are much needed to improve safety and access.
“It affects the crab angles of large vessels, which creates safety issues and concerns for the pilots who bring those vessels in,” Dunning says. “It also creates issues for recreational and commercial fisheries.”
The Corps of Engineers plans to improve stability to the jetty by adding between 120 and 150 feet. Maintenance and repairs to the jetty are crucial for keeping ships passing through, which serves as an important economic driver for Coos Bay.
