The Board of Port Commissioners approved issuance of an appealable Coastal Development Permit for the Shelter Island Boat Launch Facility Improvements Project at its Oct. 13 board meeting. The issuance of the Coastal Development Permit is a key milestone as the Port prepares the project for construction. The next steps include receiving approval of an Army Corps of Engineers permit and advertising for bids for contractors to perform the construction.
The Shelter Island Boat Launch Facility is a free public boat launch facility that was originally constructed in the 1950s and underwent upgrades in 1976 and 2005. Currently it services approximately 50,000 launches per year and is believed to be the busiest boat launch in California.
Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2017 and take approximately 10 months to complete.
The project will demolish and replace the existing 10-lane boat launch ramp and expand the interior of the facility by removing the rock revetment jetty and replacing it with a breakwater wall. The project will also construct public walking platforms with viewing areas that will be located on top of the breakwater walls. Additional project elements include replacing the existing docks and gangways, improving the kayak launch area, minor grading of the beach area to restore it to its pre-construction profile, improvements to the restroom, installation of signage, lighting and other associated improvements. The docks and public walkways will be updated to comply with current safety and Americans with Disabilities accessibility requirements. As part of the environmental mitigation for this project, more than 600 square feet of eelgrass will also be planted inside the basin. The Port will be conducting public outreach to communicate to the public about the project’s components, duration and location of additional launch ramps in San Diego Bay and Mission Bay. Updated information on the project can be found on the Shelter Island Boat Launch Ramp Facility Improvement Project at portofsandiego.org.
Due to safety concerns and to allow the construction to occur, the facility will be closed to the public during most of the construction. One lane will remain open during the summer. Expect delays if launching from the SIBL during the summer months, or find an alternate launch facility