Wellfleet awards harbor dredge contract to Burnham Associates

WELLFLEET — The funding and required permits have been secured for the next phase of the harbor dredging project and a contract has been awarded, according to Joseph Aberdale, co-chairman of the Dredge Task Force. 

The project will consist of dredging the area that runs the entire length of both sides of the pier, including the boat slips area. 

Burnham Associates was awarded the contract with its bid of $4,703,500.

The Select Board approved the contract at their Sept. 14 meeting on the recommendation of the Dredge Task Force, Harbormaster Will Sullivan and interim Town Administrator Charlie Sumner.  

Burnham dredged Wellfleet Harbor in 2001. 

Bids were submitted by Robert B. Our for $5,159,650, and Jay Cashman Inc. for $7,585,500 million. Coastline Consultant Developers submitted a bid of $4,524,110, but was not pre-qualified or pre-approved by the state.  

The targeted start date for dredging is Oct. 1. Dredge spoils will be towed to the Cape Cod Disposal Site, about 7 miles offshore. Dredging must be completed by Dec. 31 because of North Atlantic right whale protections in Cape Cod Bay. 

When the project is complete, commercial and recreational boaters will no longer be dependent on the tide to move in and out of the harbor, Aberdale said. 

Dredging the mooring field will be the final phase of the harbor dredge project. That is still in the planning stages, Aberdale said. 

Denise Coffey