PUD approves long-requested new Columbia Cove bathroom

BREWSTER – Following many years of requests and scores of port-a-potties later the city is finally on the budgeted projects roster to get a new restroom at the boat launch at Columbia Cove.

Public Works Director Lee Webster announced the good news at the regular monthly meeting of the Brewster City Council on Feb. 16. The Douglas PUD advised Webster that the restroom project cleared this year’s budget at a cost of more than $600,000. Webster in turn advised the council that the city may be on the hook to come up with some funds if the project cost exceeds the budgeted amount the city requested from the PUD.

The need for a new restroom building with a design geared to the unique demands at the boat launch became evident when summer usage numbers showed that, contrary to more common trends, men used the boat launch bathroom in greater numbers than women during the summer fishing season. The current design of a divided restroom with separate entries for men and women left the men’s side unable to handle the high traffic.

“We used to bring in porta-potties to handle the excess,” said city finance director/clerk Misty Ruiz, “but that never worked.”

The existing building will be demolished and the new design will feature a new portable building with eight stalls and eight separate entries.

“It will double our capacity,” Ruiz said.

The new layout will mean the plumbing will require modifications and additional cost.

The request for contractor bids is due to happen soon, Ruiz said.