Haines small boat harbor. (Emily Files)

Haines small boat harbor. (Emily Files)

Haines residents have another chance to weigh in on updated proposals for the Portage Cove Harbor Boat Launch project this week.

“This is the third community meeting,” says Haines Public Facilities Director Brad Ryan. “The first two meetings they came in, presented ideas, took feedback. And hopefully at this point they’re coming back and saying ‘this is what we heard from the community,” try to confirm it and then shore up a final conceptual design to take to the planning commission next.”

On Wednesday, representatives from the Haines Borough, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and PND Engineers will review concept options and cost estimates. They’ll also share a proposed schedule for the project.

“You’ll see a picture of the parking lot and the sport ramp,” says Ryan. “And you’ll also see cost estimates as well as probably a little bit of background information from PND, maybe from Fish and Game, just about the program again.”

At a recent meeting, the Haines Assembly passed a motion opposing the installation of a public trail leading across boat ramps at the harbor. The vote came following safety concerns raised by a resident.

“We’ve discussed this with PND,” says Ryan. “The conclusion has been ‘alright, if that’s what we’re hearing from the assembly then we will take out signage and anything that calls it a sea walk and attracts people and we’ll just have sidewalks for safety and bollards. And access to keep you out of the parking lot but not call it a sea walk and not try to attract people down there.”

Ryan encourages the community to come share ideas and provide feedback.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 1  at 6:30 p.m. in the Chilkat Center Lobby.