So, while doing the usual searching on the web, I came across the website where the US Government lists all their contracts up for bids. Thus, there are AtoN contracts among these listings. So far I have found a few interesting things. There are alot of listings, but so far its been worth it scrolling through.

A contract was recently placed for the renovation of the St. Joseph North Pierhead Light.
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity ... e&_cview=0

As well as one for the replacement of the structure on the Racine Reef Light
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity ... e&_cview=0
Sounds like this one will look radically different.

And one to repaint the Round Island Passage Light
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity ... e&_cview=1

And one for what seems to be a new structure in Lake St. Clair
https://www.fbo.gov/index?&s=opportunit ... bmode=list

Noah, this is indeed interesting -- can you keep us posted on when the St. Clair and Racine Projects are due to start ??

I'll do my best. The project that really caught my eye was the proposed work at St. Joseph.

It's always good to see work being done to maintain our lighthouses.

Hopefully Bayshore Contracting will do a great job that will withstand many years of those pounding waves we so love.

I am confused by this part though. Remove the expanded steel upper deck grating. Are we talking on the walkway between the lights or on the tower itself?

Any way you look at it they're spending $235,636 on St Joe and that's a good thing.

It seems to read that it applies to the concrete & decking around and under the outer light --

Cut and remove the outer concrete from the base of the lighthouse. Fabricate and install jacks to support the lighthouse upon concrete removal. Temporarily shore and brace the tower. Remove the expanded steel upper deck grating.

This could refer to the concerte base the light is sitting on, with the concrete steps going up to the access door on the East side ---

Fabricate and weld new steel angle bracing around the inner perimeter of the deck. Install new fiberglass grating and secure new stainless steel hardware.

I haven't been out to the Outer Light for awhile, so I don't know the condition of the base, but with the pounding that light takes, not to mention the Ice buildup in the winter, might have weakend or cracked the base and so endangered the light -- It has a rather small diameter for a light being so far out on the peir (unlike South Haven to the North) -- And I can testify on how strong those waves are out on that pier, having been nearly been washed off it In 2005 -- And I was just midway from the shore to the Inner light when that happened.................

Since I first noticed it, the CG has added a large number of architectural drawings to Racine Reef Light project. Check them out, its a pretty substantial rebuilt of the entire structure from the crib on up. Hopefully someone will be able to get some photos as construction takes place, which obviously won't happen overnight either.

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity ... e&_cview=1

From the looks of the drawings, this is lining up to be one of the most substantial projects in years. The best overview is probably this drawing:
https://www.fbo.gov/download/ae3/ae3185 ... 653C02.tif

As for the St. Clair project, those drawings are apparently restricted so I have no way of gaining access to see just what form the new structure will take. The project was awarded a year ago, so it may have been completed by now. I have no idea. This light was/is intended to replace Lighted Buoy #30, so if the buoy is still there, there's an answer.

delete

Work is underway on Light # 30.

I saw this thread on DetroitYes.com this afternoon:

http://detroityes.com/mb/showthread.php?t=1886


I"m still curious as to what might have spurred such a expenditure.

Did some research on the St. Joseph North Pierhead. The contractor, Bayshore Contractors, LLC., luckily has a page on their work on this light. The restoration has yet to have been complete, and the company website lists completion for the Spring of 2010. This would all explain why the light still needs a paint job and has been temporarily discontinued by the USCG.

Pictures:
http://www.gobayshore.com/index.php/res ... vsig24_0=2

Text from their website:

"Restortation Work:U.S. Coastguard contract for restoration of the historic north pier head lighthouse in St. Joseph, Michigan. Restoration required to meet historic society authenticity specifications. BayShore was the General Contractor over construction on this project. Our services included: cutting and removing all concrete from the base of the lighthouse; installing of reinforcement jacks for strength and stabilization; constructing a new concrete base incorporating the reinforcement jacks and new rebar; anchoring the new concrete base to existing concrete pier and lighthouse; removing steel upper deck grating and installing new fiberglass grating; installing the fog signal and detector; installing navigation aids (coordinated with the Coast Guard in Muskegon); sealing (welding shut) the upper tower door and portholes; replacing all glazing in the upper cupola/ lantern area utilizing the existing brass bead material (trim); and cleaning and painting the entire lighthouse both inside and outside to detailed specifications. This project is current and scheduled for completion in spring 2010. $250K Click Here to view photos of this projects."

http://www.gobayshore.com/index.php/projects.html

Also bids have been submitted for the construction of the Munuscong Channel Junction Light in the St. Mary's:

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity ... ode=list&=

Well, I couldn't wait any longer on the Racine Reef replacement project...I'd already had all the other Wisconsin Lights photographed but that one...So, a couple weeks ago, we made the trip to Racine and went out to the Reef Light.

I figured, since the bid was put out in Feb. 2009, that they might have gotten started on it by now....But Nope. No matter, I was wanting to see for myself what kind of shape the reef was in anyway, and besides...I still have no idea what the disposition of the current light structure might be. So, I should take the opportunity while I can to still photo the orignial reef.

After I went out there, I could see just why the whole reef needs to be rebuilt.....

I also got some better shots of the old Racine Harbor light as well...But there was some graffiti around the doorway of the Racine North BW Light (Their 'Big Red') that looked as if it had been there awhile.