The Port of Coos Bay says new federal funding will help it make much-needed repairs to one of its jetties.
The north jetty at the mouth of the port is disappearing at the rate of 20 feet per year. The erosion has consumed about 900 feet so far. The port’s director of external affairs, Margaret Barber, said that makes it more challenging for boats to enter and exit the area.
“The whole intent of a jetty system is to promote a safe harbor," said Barber. "So as those jetties shorten, they don’t help with the bar crossing as much. It makes the waters rougher. So it really decreases the safety for mariners that are coming in and out of the harbor.”
Barber said the port is happy to be on the receiving end of $33 million in funding from the US Army Corps of Engineers. The money will help the port rebuild the crumbling north jetty.
Barber says the south jetty is also receding, but at a slower rate.