Harbor District Resolves Lengthy Litigation

The Harbor District has settled a long-standing lawsuit that will deliver a $1.4 million dollar award to the District. Here’s the background:

The lawsuit originated out of the rebuild of the Harbor (CCHD) resulting from the 2011 Tsunami. A lawsuit was filed by CCHD, the plaintiff, in 2016 against eight different defendants. The suit was filed against Dutra, the general contractor et.al. Over the years parties have either been dismissed from the case or settled out. Of the defendants, only two remain: Wayne Maples Plumbing and Heating and Ward Stover Engineering. Maples insurance covered under a $1 million dollar liability policy.

Ward Stover won the right to the Harbor rebuild. Stover also had a $1 million liability policy. The length of the lawsuit was exacerbated by the Covid pandemic. Here is the CCHD Release:

After seven years of litigation, the Crescent City Harbor District (CCHD) announces the successful resolution of its legal dispute with Stover Engineering and Wayne Maples Plumbing and Heating. The two entities were the final defendants in the Dutra et.al lawsuit which had been interrupted by the challenges posed by the Covid 19 pandemic.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Stover Engineering and Wayne Maples Plumbing and Heating will collectively pay the District a total of $1,406,000. Despite the prolonged duration of the litigation, CCHD believes this settlement represents a fair and inequitable resolution for all parties involved, allowing the District and defendants to move forward.

Stover Engineering was involved in the design and project management of the Inner Boat Replacement in 2013 while Wayne Maples Plumbing and Heating was responsible for the installation of potable and fire water systems during the same project. Looking ahead, CCHD is committed to further enhancing its infrastructure and ensuring the safety and functionality of its facilities. In the near future the District will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the repair or replacement of the fire suppression system on the docks, reflecting its ongoing dedication to maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.

The $1,406,000 award to the CCHD is divided between Maples Plumbing: $805,000 and Stover Engineering: $601,000.