KENNEBUNK — As the neighboring towns that bound the Kennebunk River mull the prospect of dredging and possible dock replacement, harbormaster Ray Billings is making a push to ensure that the work is done.

In particular, Billings has stressed the importance of adding temporary dock space for transient boaters ”“ something which does not now exist, and which he said would be a boon to both towns, despite the dock’s location at Government Wharf, on the Kennebunkport side of the river.

“It’s the only public access to the river we have,” said Billings.

Dredging is paid for by mooring fees collected by Billings; the fees are managed by Kennebunk, though theoretically both towns have access to it. Mooring fees have been set aside specifically for dredging for over a decade; currently, there is approximately $70,000 in the fund, with the dredging expected to cost in the vicinity of $30,000.

Billings, who is also a lobsterman, said that boats only have a clearance of about 5 feet at high tide, which limits the portions of the current Government Wharf dock that are available.

When a boat docks in that location, “you’re very limited on time,” said Billings on Tuesday. “Anyone with local knowledge knows you tie up on the end docks. … Today, I couldn’t use the dock because there wasn’t enough water there. And that’s a real problem for people.”

The dredging and dock extension would go hand-in-hand, but officials in Kennebunk have been wary about using communal funds to add dock space to the Kennebunkport side of the river.

“I want to promote Kennebunk,” said Selectman John Kotsonis, adding that he would rather spend the money on adding dock space to his town’s side of the river line.

Others, including Billings and Kennebunk Selectman Chris Cluff, have argued that the dock would benefit Kennebunk no matter the side on which it’s located; the argument is that it would increase foot traffic.

“The economic impact it brings to both sides is a huge benefit,” said Cluff.

Kennebunk selectmen are expected to decide on the issue in October.

— Staff Writer Jeff Lagasse can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 319 or [email protected].