Citizens’ Dock is a symbol of the resilience of our community. Seventy years ago, when there was no outside funding available, the citizens of our community donated the time and resources to build Citizens’ Dock.Just days before the 10-year anniversary of the Citizens’ Dock construction, a tsunami destroyed it. The citizens-built Citizens’ Dock again. This structure is essential for the continued operation of our fishing fleet and the commercial seafood businesses. This is why we keep repairing it to hold it together for another year.Citizens’ Dock has served this community well, but it is time to retire it. Nearly half of the pilings that keep the pier above the water are failing. Citizens’ Dock must be rebuilt.#placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');Super ClearIn a prior column I criticized the Harbor District for a lack of transparency in their decision-making process. Today, I will highlight a process by the Harbor District that is more than transparent. It is super clear.I am referring to an active public outreach effort that has commenced related to the redesign and reconstruction of Citizens’ Dock. The Harbor’s grant management consultants, Community System Solutions, are conducting a series of four workshops to hear public input on what they want in the design.Community Systems Solutions has created a project website (citizensdock.org) where you can learn more information about the project and provide written comments.Mission StatementOn the website it states, “Our goal is to create a modern, multifunctional harbor that caters to the evolving needs of the commercial fishing industry and also embraces the wider public, offering exciting recreational activities and educational opportunities for everyone to enjoy.”I attended the first workshop (7/12) when Community System Solutions provided an overview of the project and the process. This was followed by an organized open forum where members of the public could share ideas of what could be on the new Citizens’ Dock.There were mostly suggestions for tourist and recreational uses from the people who commented. What I thought was missing was attendance by people in the fishing business. There was one fisherman and one processor that attended by Zoom, but there were no representatives at the meeting.What’s for Dinner?There are two wise sayings that apply here, “If you are not at the table, you may be on the menu.” And “If they don’t offer you a seat at the table, bring your own chair.” In this case there is a chair reserved for you. Everyone is invited and all ideas are welcome.Even when there is an extra effort to include the public early in the government decision-making process, too often people still wait until the end of the process. Then they complain about something they don’t like.This workshop series is not a venue to complain about government shortfalls. It is an opportunity to express your ideas and opinions, specifically on how to design the new Citizens’ Dock.In my view they should: 1) Maintain the primary focus of the new Citizens’ Dock on commercial fishing rebuilt with a rustic, old timey design, and 2) Provide safe access for tourists to view a scenic working harbor, learn about the commercial fishing industry and buy fresh seafood.Function JunctionCitizens’ Dock currently serves as a primary location for fishing boats to offload their catch using hoists on the dock. Southeast of Citizens’ Dock is another series of hoists for offloading fishing boats. I will call this the Seawall. Both the Seawall and Citizens’ Dock must be replaced. This will cost tens of millions of dollars.The good news is that the Harbor District, with the assistance of Community System Solutions, has secured grants that will move these projects forward. (communitysystemsolutions.org)Last year, the Harbor District was awarded a $7.3 million grant to replace the Seawall. This grant came from federal infrastructure funding through the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration. This year, the Harbor District was awarded a $927,000 grant from the California Coastal Conservancy. This funding will be used to hire the contractor to complete the design and permit documents that are needed for the funding and construction of the Seawall and Citizens’ Dock.Sequential ProgressThese two projects must be built in sequence to minimize disruption of ongoing fishing operations. The plan is to first complete the reconstruction of the Seawall. This project will increase the number of hoists installed and is expected to be completed in 2025.After completion of the Seawall, it will be possible to transfer businesses from Citizens’ Dock to temporarily operate from the Seawall. Once construction starts on Citizens’ Dock in 2025, it will be out of commission for two years.When both projects are completed the total commercial fishing footprint in the harbor will be expanded allowing room for future growth.Pay AttentionThere are many details still to be worked out and now is the time to pay attention. I encourage anyone who currently uses Citizens’ Dock to participate in one of these workshops. It is easier to help form a project while the clay is still soft. Once the design is baked in, changes are harder to make.The Harbor District is currently vetting engineering contractors who will assist with construction design and project permitting. The selected design contractor will be present at the September and October workshops.The next community workshop on the design of the new, improved Citizens’ Dock is August 25 from 12 to 1:30 PM at the Crescent City offices on 210 Battery Street.For times and locations of the September and October meetings check on the project website. (citizensdock.org)Kevin Hendrick is a 30-year resident of Del Norte County. kevinjameshendrick@gmail.com googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });