Council hears urgent repair needs for marine facilities; Madrona Point project estimates exceed current budgets

San Juan County Public Works told the council that aging marine facilities across county islands require significant investment and that the Madrona Point dock project has reached 90% design with permit submissions underway.

Jesse, the Public Works speaker on marine facilities, said the 90% plans include removal of three dolphins (each on three creosote piles) and replacement with modern steel piles — a change with environmental benefit as well as the functional goal of reopening the facility. The consultant-provided cost estimate exceeded prior capital assumptions and staff cautioned the council that funding will be a challenge across many sites.

Council members urged staff to pursue Department of Commerce planning and construction grants (Community Economic Revitalization Board), mitigation credits from creosote removal, and federal MARAD funding where appropriate. One council member noted the project could be partially self-mitigating because removal of creosote piles may produce mitigation credits.

Council asked staff to return with prioritization of marine projects and recognized that some docks (for example, Waldron and East Sound) are critical for resident access and may require immediate action. No contract award or appropriation was made at this meeting; staff will continue permitting and funding work and report back.