Oak Harbor marina discussions focus on port district option and multimillion-dollar dredging and repair costs

At the July 14 meeting of the Oak Harbor Marina Advisory Commission, commissioners and members of the public discussed whether to pursue a port district and how to pay for major marina repairs including dredging, a replacement breakwater and dock work.

The discussion included detailed cost figures developed by consultants. Commissioner Byron said the engineering firm’s high-end estimates include $12,790,000 for dredging, $8,320,000 to replace the breakwater “in kind,” and $28,570,000 to replace marina docks. Byron said the firm, Moffett & Nichols, will deliver a decommissioning cost estimate as well.

Why it matters: Marina repairs would require significant new revenue or outside grants, and the work — particularly a breakwater replacement — could shape future dredging needs and marina configuration. That in turn affects slip availability, local businesses that rely on visiting boaters and whether the city pursues voter-authorized taxes or bond financing.

Public commenters urged a formal taxing authority to raise money. Terry Nye, a permanent moorage holder and Langley resident, said, “I am strongly in support of forming a port district,” citing experience with fire districts’ governance and funding models. Ken Fredericks, who said he lives inside the Oak Harbor School District but not the city, asked whether projects would proceed without state or federal grant dollars and whether a district would resort to property taxes if grants fail. Fredericks asked, “If the assumption is that we would move forward for any of the proposals… does that mean that if no funds from outside the district, we would jettison any of the substantial dredging expenses?”

City staff and commissioners gave status updates but stopped short of any final commitments. Elise (Harbormaster) said notification for a federal grant under consideration is expected in December 2025. She told the commission the city is working with Moffett & Nichols on options to repair or renovate existing structures rather than full replacement. The commission also requested a coastal analysis, which staff said carries a price tag of roughly $50,000 and will be needed for an August 8 city council discussion.

Engineers and commissioners debated dredging depth and useful life. One staff member explained that deeper dredging (for example dredging to minus 12 feet) can extend the interval between dredges — in one example to an estimated 13 years — so that debt-service life and useful life align. Commissioners and speakers warned that shallow dredging (minus 4 to minus 5 feet) would require much more frequent re-dredging and could leave many boats unable to navigate in and out of slips.

Occupancy, rates and revenue were central to the funding conversation. Brian (city staff) reported occupancy fell from about 89% at the same time last year to 72% this year; the commission discussed whether recent rate increases contributed to vacancies. Harbormaster Elise said moorage and guest moorage revenue rose by $105,577 compared with the prior year after fees were adjusted, but commissioners and public speakers said uncertainty about the marina’s future is prompting some slip holders to leave.

Next steps and decision points: the commission is preparing materials for a city council workshop next week, which will present engineering options (repair vs. replace), a coastal analysis and revenue options that could include a port district, a metropolitan park district, a business & occupation (B&O) tax, or voter-authorized bonds. Staff emphasized that state and federal grants are likely necessary for major projects but are not guaranteed. No binding policy decision or vote on forming a port district was taken at the July 14 meeting.

Provenance: The discussion began during public comment when Terry Nye spoke in favor of a port district and continued through long-term project reports from staff and Moffett & Nichols updates. The meeting included a range of technical clarifications about dredge depths, bond lifespans and the difference between repair-in-kind and renovation.

Ending: Commissioners scheduled continued consideration and materials for a city council workshop and asked staff to return with the coastal analysis and any updated cost estimates from Moffett & Nichols. Until additional funding sources are identified, staff and commissioners said they will pursue smaller repairs and seek grants while preparing higher-level options for council review.