Council accepts $200,000 donation from Gig Harbor Commercial Fishermen's Club for Homeport project

The Gig Harbor City Council on March 10 authorized a donation agreement formalizing a $200,000 pledge by the Gig Harbor Commercial Fishermen's Club toward construction of a commercial fisherman's homeport at Ansett Waterfront Park.

Parks Manager Jennifer Harrow said the homeport concept dates to 2013 and was included in Resolution 949 that outlined the vision for Ansett Waterfront Park. The project plan calls for moorage for 17 commercial fishing vessels near the net shed and Ansett Pier; it is designed but awaiting federal agency approval of mitigation measures. "This agreement will formalize their commitment to provide $200,000 towards construction of the project," Harrow said. The donation must be paid before the council considers a construction contract, Harrow added.

Council member Henderson asked about the schedule for bidding and whether mitigation costs are included in the project estimate. Director Langham (addressing permitting) and Harrow said staff anticipate going to bid in spring and awarding a contract in spring or early summer, subject to permitting outcomes and the in-water work window; the project budget includes mitigation and construction in a combined estimate of roughly $3.4 million. When asked for a mitigation cost breakdown, staff said they would email council members with a detailed estimate.

Council member Coronado moved to authorize the mayor to execute the donation agreement; Council member Rodenberg seconded. Council member Rodenberg noted the donation is "quite generous" and said the Commercial Fishermen's Club does not have a guaranteed benefit of moorage at the new facility, calling the gift "truly a generous offer with no expectation of anything in return." The motion passed 6 to 0.

The donor's pledge is programmed to be collected before the city solicits construction bids. Staff flagged that project permitting remains outstanding and that mitigation measures (primarily eelgrass and kelp planting) are part of the project's scope and cost estimate. The council's authorization now allows staff to accept the donation and proceed with permitting and procurement steps toward construction, subject to federal approvals and final contract terms.

Article ending: The city will continue permitting work and will report back to council with a mitigation cost breakdown and the schedule for bidding and contract award once federal approvals and the in-water window are confirmed.