Doug Brockway, chair of the Economic Development Commission, briefed the Westerly Town Council on a December 2024 marina study and described options to convert the municipal marina into a mixed recreational and artisanal‑fishing facility.

Brockway said study authors (GZA) found soil conditions that would require remediation before expanded public‑use development could proceed and that engineering and construction phases would be needed to implement recommendations. He described the site as ‘‘the only town‑owned land on the river’’ and said the study envisions recreational uses (kayak and paddleboard access, picnic areas and storage), limited slips, dredging and improved docks. He said an estimate of potential gross slip revenue was ‘‘on the order of a 25 $250,000 per year’’ at current rates.

Why it matters: The marina sits on town property and could affect public access, boating services, local small‑scale commercial fishing operations and waterfront floodplain and soil remediation issues. Cost estimates in the council discussion ranged across multiple millions of dollars, prompting councilors to request phased options and grant‑seeking rather than immediate large capital commitments.

Key points from the discussion:
- Brockway and others noted the report shows contaminated soils requiring remediation and that an engineering plan and construction plan would be required before major work could proceed. Brockway said, “the soil is compromised… it's got chemicals in it that would need to be remediated.”
- The study envisions support for artisanal commercial fishermen with dedicated slips for offloading, not processing; Brockway said demand is uncertain and management decisions would be needed closer to implementation.
- Cost and scope: Councilors and Brockway discussed a range of cost figures during the meeting. One councilor cited a present‑design cost of about $13 million; elsewhere a larger, fully built‑out option was described in the meeting as in the tens of millions. Brockway said the slips could generate roughly $250,000 per year in gross revenue at current rates but added that the capital cost would far exceed this revenue and would need outside funding.
- Design elements under debate included an elevator vs. an ADA ramp, size of a proposed storage/service building, the need for a retaining wall and floodplain/compensatory storage questions that would require review by DEM and the Coastal Resources Management Council.

Council response and next steps:
Councilors asked for further vetting of cost estimates and options to phase work and pursue grants. Several councilors and staff noted the previously formed marina ad hoc committee had been dissolved Oct. 1 and that town staff could convene a working group or involve citizens without re‑creating an ad hoc if the council preferred. Brockway said the EDC and the assistant harbormaster would participate in follow‑up work and that the town should attempt to limit the need for town capital by seeking grants and potential public‑private arrangements.

President Chris Duhamel said he would schedule the marina report as an EDC agenda item so the commission can review it further and return with recommendations. No contract awards, bond authorizations, or capital appropriations were voted at the meeting.