LWVSJ Observer Corps: Port Commission March 22, 2024

A citizen asked why the Port was building dock sections for Port Angeles when the Friday Harbor docks were not done. The Executive Director said he would give an update later in the meeting.

Sally Hawkins read a letter of support for Essential Shipyard Industries and encouraged the Port to the company the autonomy it was requesting to continue to serve the boating community and to maintain its business at the shipyard. The Office Manager of Essential Shipyard Industries asked for the Port’s support in allowing ESI to take over the shipyard and travel lift operations. Several other individuals spoke on behalf of this proposal. The general feeling was that the Port could concentrate on their other activities if ESI ran those operations without having to coordinate with the Port staff.

Jason Knott, the owner of Essential Shipyard Industries ESI, said he had the funds to buy a new travel lift and make improvements to the pier and buildings. He wants to make a substantial investment and develop a Port and ESI partnership. He asked the Port to modify their policy and negotiate with him so that he can continue to operate his company in Friday Harbor. Greg Hertel asked the Port to enter a lease with ESI to operate the shipyard. Port staff responded that they had no issues towing and hauling out boats and that the shipyard is operating effectively as is. The Commission agreed to put the issue as an action item at the next meeting agenda to decide on whether to continue with the current operations or to make a change in the policy.

The Commission reviewed plans for a new Port Administration building that would include office and storage space, conference room and restrooms. The parking configuration is still undecided. The Executive Director requested the Commissioners’ opinions on some of the aesthetic aspects of the plans and he will have two options for them to review at a future meeting.

The Commission supported the proposal to apply for a Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office sports court grant. The Executive Director has identified an appropriate parcel of land. The Commission wants to make sure the approach works with other plans. They will discuss it further at a future meeting.

The executive director reported that the Jensen Marina covered moorage is the top priority for the capital project team and dock construction for the Port of Port Angeles will not begin until the covered moorage is done.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.