Dock Repair Bids Delayed

Once again repair of Cedar Key's "Big Dock" had been delayed. Concerns about he underlying geological structures and the stability of nearby buildings have caused revision of structural engineering plans. According to Levy County Coordinator Fred Moody, a March 5 meeting with County Engineer Lee Mills may confirm that bids on the dock construction work will be due June 11, 2007. Mr. Mills told Cedar Key News that the June 11 date is correct, "if everything goes well," adding that he has not been personally involved in the project. If a bid is accepted, work could begin in July, 2007.

View from the Big Dock of an adjacent building on the west.

In late 2006, bids on the project had been expected, with potential approval by the Levy County Commission in February 2007. However, potential contractors are said to have been unwilling to accept liability for damage to nearby buildings resulting from pile-driving activities. In some cases the buildings are within twenty-six feet of the dock.

View from the Big Dock of buildings adjacent to the dock to the east.

The Big Dock has been closed since September of 2004 as a result of hurricane damage. Federal Emergence Management Agency (FEMA) funds totaling $1,300,000 were received by Levy County for engineering and construction to restore the dock.