I would like to thank the June 25, 2015 Chilkat Valley News and Karen Garcia for clearing up the misconception that funds for the harbor have to be spent by 2017. My understanding is that an armor rock breakwater extension would cost about 30 percent more than a steel piling construction.
The appearance of steel piling, two stories high at low tide, extended from the existing rock breakwater, brings two thoughts to mind: 1) They ran out of money and couldn’t afford to extend the existing rock breakwater, and 2) It’s a billboard without the sign content.
The existing rock breakwater is here for life. The steel piling proposal is subject to damage even if electric and anode protection is maintained by the borough. It would be exposed and corroded by oxygen, salt water, etc. to iron oxide in 50 years.
We can only afford to do this job once. Do it right.
Jack Wenner