LAKEPORT— City officials noted Monday that they were pleased to announce that construction of the seawall replacement at Lakeport’s Library Park has begun.
The seawall that protects the park was significantly damaged in 2017 when Clear Lake experienced catastrophic flooding that resulted in a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. Officials noted that the City’s original replacement project timeline was affected in early 2019 when severe winter storms caused additional flooding and resulted in another Federal Major Disaster Declaration.
As a result of the disaster declarations, the City was eligible to apply for federal and state funding to assist the reconstruction efforts. The City received funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of California that will pay the majority of the project costs, according to information made public by city staff.
The seawall project includes the replacement of approximately 535 lineal feet of seawall which supports the adjoining pedestrian promenade. The new seawall will be a steel sheet pile wall and has been designed to withstand heavy wave action and future flooding conditions. The promenade will be rebuilt and will feature a new safety handrail and a new concrete sidewalk.
The successful bidder for this project was West Coast Contractors Inc. They are an experienced company specializing in marine sheet pile projects and are deemed capable of completing this project as specified. The City has targeted a completion date of June 1, 2020.
Library Park lies along the west shore of Clear Lake in downtown Lakeport. It was established nearly 100 years ago and now includes more than three acres of land area. Owned and maintained by the City of Lakeport, it hosts numerous community events, including live music in a beautiful gazebo, which serves as the centerpiece of the park. Current amenities include: boat launches, docks, fishing opportunities, lake swimming, picnic areas, an accessible children’s playground and Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible restrooms.
