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Dredging timeline uncertain; harbor master reports Clean Marina recertification and grant shortfall
Summary
Harbormaster reported recertification under the Clean Marina Act and said an oil-spill-equipment grant was cut to half funding; the dredging project was delayed when DNR staff were reassigned and fisheries review timelines remain uncertain.
Harbormaster Charlie updated the Oak Harbor Marina Advisory Commission on operations and permitting: the marina received recertification under the Clean Marina Act for five years, an oil-spill-equipment grant was reduced to roughly half its anticipated funding and the dredging project's permitting timeline is uncertain following a DNR staff reassignment.
Charlie opened the update by thanking the crew and announcing, "we did get our recertification for the Clean Marina Act. This will be a 5 year, time period." He said the oil-spill-equipment grant was awarded about half of the expected funds and that state-level guidance is under revision, leaving project timelines "in limbo".
On dredging, Brian Smith reported the Department of Natural Resources staffer McKenna Gilson has left and the project has been reassigned to Sean Carlson; that reassignment and a backlog at fisheries after the recent government shutdown have slowed permit review. Smith warned the previously discussed September start date is unlikely and that staff are "getting pretty tight on time" to complete work during the fish window.
Council/commission concern: Chair noted marina occupancy was about "70%" in November 2025 and flagged that revenue did not rise as consultants projected after rate increases.
What happens next: DNR and fisheries must complete reviews before dredging can proceed; staff said they will press agencies for an updated timeline and report back to the commission and tenants at the January meeting.
