The Port of Grays Harbor plans to begin the first phase of its Westport Marina Modernization Project this year, an effort made possible by Rep. Derek Kilmer, who secured Community Project Funding in the federal 2023 fiscal year budget, the port announced Dec. 30.
The $750,000 is expected to pay for designing the project’s float modernization and reconfiguration, with a focus toward replacing floats 11, 15, 17 and 21.
Port Commission President Tom Quigg said the port is grateful for Kilmer’s work in securing funding for the project.
“Community Project Funding at this critical early stage supports the important work of designing a facility to serve our commercial and recreational users for generations,” Quigg said. “As one of the top seafood landing ports in the United States, the port is very proud of the role the Westport Marina plays in supporting thousands of jobs in coastal southwest Washington.”
The port recently finished the Westport Marina Modernization Plan, a blueprint for replacing the nearly 50-year-old Westport Marina floating dock infrastructure.
Rebuilding and reconfiguring the marina’s float infrastructure requires multiple phases and many years to complete, Quigg said.
The Westport Marina is a significant center for tribal, commercial, charter and recreational fishing in the region, accounting for over 132 million pounds and about $71.5 million in commercial seafood, according to the port.
Close to 2,300 jobs and more than $227 million in annual revenue in rural Southwest Washington stem from activities at the marina and uplands area, according to the port.
