EVERETT — Naval Station Everett is set to build a $2.2 million small boat launch of its own.
Currently, the naval station uses the Port of Everett Marina to launch and recover small vessels a couple of times a week, said Kristin Ching, public affairs officer at Naval Station Everett.
With its own boat launch, the Navy will be able to get boats onto the water faster to respond to oil spills, security threats and other situations that require an immediate response.
“We’re going above and beyond to prepare for any situation,” Ching said.
The Navy and Coast Guard boats will use the launch. The Navy practices with local emergency responders from Everett and Snohomish County several times a year for possible situations including mutual aid and natural disasters.
“We are required to be ready at all times, around-the-clock, 24/7, 365 days a year,” said Navy Capt. Michael Coury at a groundbreaking ceremony for the boat launch earlier this week.
The launch will save money and fuel for the Navy, Coury said.
An environmental assessment for the project was finished in June to evaluate any effects of its construction and operation. Under a policy that started in 2008, the naval base is required to remove a building along the water before constructing a new one.
The Navy plans to demolish an old World War II pier adjacent to the naval station, near the Everett Kimberly-Clark facility.
“By removing the structures, we are freeing up space and making sure our footprint doesn’t expand,” Ching said.
The total cost of building the boat and removing the pier is estimated at $3.81 million.
The launch is expected to be completed next year.
Lindsylee Wheadon: 425-339-3453; lwheadon@heraldnet.com.
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