JAMES CITY COUNTY — It’s been nearly nine months since construction began on the James City County Marina, leaving residents unable to take out their kayaks or launch paddle boats from the site.
While the construction and closures may be an inconvenience for some, the project is expected to make a number of improvements to the Marina.
The James City County Marina Renovation Project began in November 2020 and will be constructed in two phases.
James City County Parks and Recreation Director John Carnifax said that the improvement project will “address existing infrastructure which has reached or exceeded its useful life.”
The project is currently in Phase 1, which includes dredging the marina basin, replacement of the existing bulkhead with a rock revetment, replacing fixed boat slip piers with floating piers, installing sidewalk and upgrades to site lighting and relocating the fuel tank and fuel pump.
The phase will also include relocating the paddlecraft launch to the adjacent cove area, removing fixed piers and pilings from the cove area, burying utility lines and re-paving the entrance road and parking area.
Carnifax said that work on Phase 1 is expected to be completed in January 2022.
The dredging, bulkhead and rock revetment are complete and the floating docks have been assembled and are being installed.
Remaining work in the current phase includes the paddlecraft launch, fuel tank, and site work including utilities, lighting and sidewalks/paving.
The total construction cost for Phase 1 of the $6 million project is $3,424,466.64.
The second phase of the project includes replacement of covered floating docks, a new boat ramp, and increased parking. Phase 2 is funded in fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024).
“Fortunately the COVID-19 pandemic did not cause any delays or affect the pace of the project,” Carnifax said.
Since the start of the renovation project, the Marina’s refueling station, boat ramp and paddle craft floating launch has been closed for construction. Billsburg Brewery remains open.
Residents who need marine fuel during construction may refuel at Surry Seafood Company Marina, 633 Marina Dr., in Surry.
Those wanting to rent and launch paddlecraft can do so at Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Hwy, and Little Creek Reservoir Park, 180 Lakeview Dr. Paddlecraft can be launched at Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Rd., and the Powhatan Creek and Blueway, 1831 Jamestown Rd. Boaters can use the boat ramp at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
