Oak Harbor marina dredge and breakwater work remains on hold pending federal permitting

Oak Harbor — The Marina Advisory Commission received an update on the Moffett & Nichols dredging and breakwater work, but staff said federal permitting pauses have put the schedule in limbo.

“Elise, Harbor Master, said NOAA Fisheries must assign a biologist before federal permitting can resume and the tribe is still reviewing the city’s response about whether upland placement of dredge material was considered,” the commission’s record shows. Elise said staff concluded upland reuse was not viable and therefore do not expect tribal objections, but the city is awaiting a formal tribal reply.

On timing, Elise said the project team is “still holding on to” a target start of September 2026 but cannot give a firm commitment while federal offices remain closed. Contracting will follow permit clearance, she added; staff intend to advertise for dredging contractors only after permit status is settled.

Staff described construction sequencing designed to reduce complications during dredging: removing finger piers before excavation to avoid isolated mounds and side ties, and removing roofs on multiple dock segments (B, C, D and E) to allow equipment access. Elise said the city retains flexibility to choose suction or clamshell dredging depending on contractor availability and cost, but prefers suction when feasible.

Elise also said the City Council directed a major rehabilitation and repair of the breakwater using the existing design. Because the rehabilitation follows prior designs — and not a full redesign — staff do not anticipate the coastal analysis originally budgeted, which Elise estimated would save about $50,000.

The commission did not take formal action on the project at the meeting. Next steps are contingent on NOAA Fisheries staffing and a completed tribal response; staff will return with procurement timing and permit milestones when those matters are resolved.