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Port directors and America 2 50 committee pitch 24-foot eagle sculpture, ask county for support
Summary
A local committee and port officials described a proposed 24–25-foot-wingspan steel eagle to be installed on a waterfront as a 250th‑anniversary attraction, estimated at about $140,000 total; the Port director said the port would seek a $50,000 deposit to contract the artist and pursue private fundraising. County staff discussed indirect funding options and timing concerns.
Joseph, speaking for the America 2 50 committee, presented a public‑art proposal for a large metal eagle at a port waterfront to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary and suggested an unveiling around July 4. He described images and an approximate wingspan of 24–25 feet, and said the committee and local partners would help promote and organize an event.
Mark Wilson, identified in the transcript as “Mark Wilson, executive director of the Port,” told commissioners the piece would be heavy and engineered for wind: “It weighs close to 3,000 pounds when it's done, and it's all structural steel,” he said, and added the artist has experience with similarly large works. Wilson said the port intends to ask its commission to enter into a contract that requires a $50,000 deposit to begin fabrication and that the port plans private fundraising and a nonprofit conduit to accept donations.
Committee and port presenters gave an approximate cost breakdown of about $100,000 for construction plus about $40,000 for installation. They said some trail funds previously allocated to the port might be repurposed and that other local donors, municipalities and organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce have expressed interest. County finance staff said existing lodging‑tax or trail dollars are time‑sensitive and that the county could consider an indirect funding approach rather than a direct appropriation.
Commissioners and port staff discussed structural safety, warranties and siting. One commissioner asked whether the artist provided a multi‑year warranty; Wilson said he believed so. Commissioners expressed general support for exploring funding but did not make a formal decision during the workshop.
Next steps included the port taking commission action to authorize a contract and staff and commissioners continuing to explore indirect funding options and timing constraints to meet fabrication lead times.
