Marina project bids contested in Kalama

LONGVIEW — Contractors bidding on a multimillion dollar boat marina project have put the Port of Kalama in an awkward legal position.

Port commissioners initially awarded the $4.53 million contract to Washougal-based Ballard Marine Construction on Nov. 22.

But in an unusual move, a competing bidder, Razz Construction of Bellingham, contested Ballard Marine’s winning bid. Razz pointed to a technical error in Ballard’s bid. Then a third competitor, Gig Harbor-based Massana Construction, contested both Razz and Ballard’s bids, contending both had minor flaws.

So on Wednesday the port commissioners awarded the marina upgrade project to Massana for $4.6 million as the apparent low bidder without any technical errors in the company’s bid.

Liz Newman, port spokeswoman, said it’s rare for contract bids to be contested. The port could still face legal challenges from any of the six bidders, but Newman said the port hopes this ends the matter.

“We didn’t see all this coming down the road,” Newman said. The port hopes to start construction “soon” barring further legal challenges.

The marina rehabilitation project is a carryover from 2017, when the port had originally planned to start the remodel. Port Executive Director Mark Wilson previously has said the 40-year-old marina needs major repair to keep it in good condition. The project will repair or replace concrete docks, replace the visitor dock, improve disability access and replace worn-out marina components.