Construction of expanded seawall underway at Kenai Beach

At North Kenai Beach this week, construction of an expanded seawall is well underway to prevent erosion of the bluff near Toyon Way.

On Tuesday, signs of heavy equipment could be seen in the sand and a new wall stretched over part of the bluff. A stack of metal plates waited for installation nearby.

The work is being undertaken by a group of property owners, with blessing from the City of Kenai. In May, the city purchased nearly 8 acres of beach property in the area for around $12,000 — intended for potential expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and management of the beachfront.

According to a memo from City Attorney Scott Bloom, included with a resolution approving the easement that was adopted by unanimous consent at the July 3 meeting of the council, the property purchased by the city was adjacent to another easement where a seawall had been constructed in front of three bluff properties. The new easement, Bloom writes, would allow six additional properties to build a sheet pile seawall in front of their properties to “tie into the existing structure.”

Before construction could begin, each property owner would need U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting, Bloom wrote. The project would need to comply with federal and state laws, be approved by city administration, and leave the property owners liable for damages and obligated to maintain, repair or remove the walls.

Bill Dunn, one of the property owners looking to benefit from the easement, said during the July meeting that he’s spoken to the council on the topic “over the last few years.” He said he was grateful for the council’s interest and action to clear the way for the property owners to defend their land from erosion.

Nearby homes, he said, used to have land in front of them. That land has gone away with the passage of time.

“This basically enables us to address a problem that threatens our homes,” he said. “We’re ready to do that, and appreciate your willingness to help.”

Vice Mayor Henry Knackstedt said that he was “completely in support” and happy that the work ties into an existing retaining wall. He said that he hopes to see the structure continue down the shore, to “reduce that erosion in our lifetime.” The City of Kenai earlier this year cut the ribbon on a larger bluff stabilization project on the Kenai River.

The text of the easement says that it gives property owners “the right, but not obligation” to construct a seawall within 7 feet of the toe of the bluff.

The text of the ordinance approving purchase of the land and the resolution approving the easement can be found at kenai.city.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.