Friday Harbor Port Commission June 27, 2025

Dave Shields of D&M Steel Services Inc. presented a project proposal to build a facility on their leased property to support their business of installing equipment for major recycling facilities and to build a shop for steel fabrication. Expanding their business will bring opportunities for additional industries on the island, create jobs and offer an apprenticeship program in steel working.  They plan to bring metal buildings and metal framed homes to the island and are interested in building housing for low and middle-income workers. The commission said there is high demand for industrial space with yard space for equipment. The Port staff are excited about the opportunities the project will bring. They need to determine requirements from the Town of FH and assess project viability.

The commission approved using the CPI report from August instead of December to adjust leases for inflation. Rent adjustments will still be made on January 1. Saltwater Farms proposed a lease amendment to add a small parcel of land adjacent to their current lease to use as parking. Andrew told the commission the pickleball facility and the yurt expansion are now in the permitting phase.

The executive director met with OPALCO and discussed the electrification project and potential transformer upgrades. Battery storage could be included on port property and the port could purchase property and lease it to OPALCO for battery storage.

The newsletter will be out soon and there will be an insert for the newspaper to publicize the upcoming 75th Anniversary of the port.

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