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Commission presses for accelerated funding options for dredging and breakwater work
Summary
Commissioners urged regular council outreach and described multiple funding paths — port district, B&O tax, general obligation bond, and state/federal grants — noting dredging and breakwater reengineering could cost an estimated $12-14 million.
Commissioners used the Feb. 10 meeting to press for more urgent action on long-term marina repairs, including dredging and breakwater work, and asked colleagues to make repeated public comments to city council to keep the issue on the council's radar.
Ken (who spoke for staff) and others summarized ongoing planning: consultants (Moffett Nichols) are reviewing smaller-footprint dredging alternatives and reconfiguration to reduce cost, staff are exploring a business-and-occupation (B&O) tax item to present to council, and the city is discussing possible port-district options and outreach to the Port of Coupeville.
Commissioners estimated combined dredging and breakwater reengineering needs in a $12'$14 million range and said the marina's critical breakwater work and depth problems cannot be solved by piecemeal projects alone. Staff and commissioners discussed financing avenues including a port-district election (which can take multiple election cycles), a general obligation bond (which also requires a public vote), state and federal grants, and use of real-estate excise tax (REET) funds when appropriate.
Several commissioners urged fellow commission members to sign up for public comment at city council meetings to repeatedly remind council of the urgency and to press for a specific financing plan. Staff said some state and federal legislators and agencies have expressed interest and the city administration is actively pursuing multiple options.
No formal funding decision was taken at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to continue pursuing multiple funding tracks and to return with a financing recommendation and schedule.
