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Public Works pursues option to buy Decatur Island waterfront parcel; environmental groups warn of wetland and sea‑level‑rise risk
Summary
Public Works signed a purchase-and-sale option July 15 to study buying a 0.88‑acre waterfront parcel next to the Decatur Head ramp on Decatur Island as a possible way to relieve parking and circulation pressure at the island’s only public marine facility.
San Juan County Public Works has signed a purchase-and-sale agreement giving the county an option to buy a 0.88‑acre waterfront parcel adjacent to the Decatur Head marine facility, Public Works staff told the county council July 15.
Why it matters: The county’s Decatur Head boat ramp is the only public marine facility on Decatur Island and experiences periodic crowding and circulation problems. Public Works said acquiring the adjacent property could create space for staging, parking and safer circulation, and would preserve public access at a road end used by residents and barge operators.
Public comment and environmental concerns: Magali Koda, legal director for Friends of the San Juans, spoke at public access time and urged rigorous environmental review. Koda said maps provided to the council show the site lies within coastal-wetland buffers, a fish-and-wildlife habitat conservation area and a flood plain, and that much of the parcel is at elevations vulnerable to current and future flooding. "The shoreline master program requires the county take into consideration the potential impacts of sea level rise," Koda said, urging the county to lead on habitat protection and salmon recovery.
Staff note and next steps: Public Works staff said the signed option gives the county a due-diligence period (about two months) to study land-use, septic/well issues, environmental covenants and shoreline constraints and to hold an on-site community meeting. Staff plan technical due diligence—including wetland delineation, hydrology and ownership review—before returning to council. The county would hold a public hearing before any acquisition and staff confirmed an independent appraisal will be obtained as part of the due diligence.
Budget and process: The staff report included a preliminary market assessment putting the strip value at roughly $9,500 based on assessed values of nearby parcels; the county noted assessed values in the area have roughly doubled since prior estimates several years ago. If acquisition advances, the proposal would include a right-of-way dedication back to the county to preserve Armitage Road and Decatur Head Drive alignment.
Outcome: Council held a first-touch briefing; no purchase was authorized. Public Works will return with due-diligence results, an independent appraisal and a recommended path for a public hearing and potential purchase authorization.
