Pelican’s famed boardwalk will get some help from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
In a public notice Friday, the DOT announced it is beginning engineering and environmental studies to renovate the boardwalk and make it strong enough to support Pelican’s fire engine.
The renovation will involve the replacement of stringers, columns and timber piles that support the boardwalk.
Pelican, on Chichagof Island, has a year-round population of 78, according to the state’s demographic estimate. While its nickname is “Closest to the Fish,” the town is also known for the boardwalk that makes up the town’s main street. Pedestrians walk it and four-wheelers drive it, abiding by the posted speed limit of 12 mph.
According to DOT’s listing of state bridges, portions of the boardwalk date to 1939. In that listing, the boardwalk is considered a 2,830-foot bridge, which would make it one of the three longest in the state.
Boardwalk renovations are expected to begin in late 2017 or early 2018, the public notice states. More than 90 percent of the project will be funded with federal money. Two hundred thousand dollars has been earmarked for engineering, design and environmental review.
Anyone with comments on the renovation proposal is asked to email John Barnett at john.barnett@alaska.gov. Comments are due by Aug. 11.
