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Port of Skagit tells La Conner council marina needs dredging, dock rebuild and phased upland redevelopment
Summary
Port of Skagit executives updated the council on dredging needs, aging docks, potential rate increases and a multi‑phase plan to redevelop 12 upland acres. The port said environmental permitting and rising costs make dredging and dock rebuilding complex and will require revenue and partnership.
Sarah Young, identified in the meeting as executive director, and Port Commissioner Melanie Mankemeyer briefed the council on the Port’s near‑term marina priorities and longer‑range redevelopment plans.
Young told the council the marina is more than 50 years old and needs both repeated dredging and substantial dock work. “We need to dredge every 7 to 10 years in [the] marina,” Young said. She described environmental and water‑quality regulations that complicate dredging methodology and permitting. Young said the port is accelerating design and permitting work and anticipates rate increases and other revenue measures to help fund capital work.
The presenters said the South Basin docks are older, custom wood construction while the North Basin uses newer modular concrete systems; the port plans an in‑house renovation for the North Basin and a contracted rebuild for the South Basin. The port also discussed a proposed bulkhead and new berth to support Maverick Marine if that company wins a large contract; the bulkhead would enable single‑crane launches, create a deeper berth via dredging and support upland boat‑building activities.
Port staff said the upland 12‑acre commercial property is being evaluated for phased redevelopment, with initial work likely to focus on the area that now houses port offices. Young described the port’s intent to marry upland development with in‑water improvements as part of a five‑year horizon plan.
Why it matters
Port officials framed the marina as a local economic driver for tourism and maritime businesses. The council received the presentation as situational awareness in advance of budget and permitting decisions; port staff asked for continued partnership and warned that capital upgrades will be costly and will likely require rate adjustments and external funding.
Council and community questions focused on timing, dredge frequency and whether the port’s plans would preserve public access to the waterfront. Port staff repeatedly emphasized phased planning and a cautious approach to balance upland redevelopment and in‑water work.
