A steel and concrete pontoon from Interstate 90 that had been sitting in Neah Bay for nearly 40 years has finally been removed.
The Makah Tribe, in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program, removed the pontoon from the bay, plus 15 derelict vessels from the Makah Marina, last fall. The multimillion-dollar effort was funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“Removing this debris not only revitalizes our marina and preserves our environment but also strengthens the cultural and economic pillars of our community,” said Makah Chairman Timothy “TJ” Greene Sr. “This effort demonstrates the impact of partnerships rooted in respect for our natural resources and shared commitment to sustaining our way of life for future generations.”
Initially, the tribe purchased several of the old pontoons that had sunk into Lake Washington in 1990 to help build the tribe’s marina and breakwater, but they were never used for their intended purpose, said Carol Reamer, the Port of Neah Bay director. Two were eventually sold, leaving the one that was recently removed.
Prior to last year’s work, the tribe had removed eight boats—and there is still more to be done, Reamer said. The tribe’s old fish dock and Hi-Tide barge will be removed, and the adjacent beach will be restored.
“This is an extreme financial burden to the tribe,” Reamer said. “It’s costly to remove vessels when the owner walks away. One boat that was purchased for $15,000 cost the tribe $67,000 to remove.”
The remains of an old Interstate 90 pontoon that had been sitting in Neah Bay since the early 1990s was extracted last fall through a debris and derelict vessel removal project by the Makah Tribe and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Story: Tiffany Royal; Photos: Makah Tribe
