Friday Harbor Port Commission May 23, 2025

The Commission approved the Port’s Public Art Policy, which Commissioner Marrett will share with the Town of Friday Harbor.

The Executive Director gave a report about a grant application for funds to support the Port Electrification project. The commission approved port electrification contracting work giving the Executive Director authority to disburse funds to multiple contractors within the port budget framework and the contract scope of work. The Commission will approve any work outside of the scope of the contract. 

The county’s pilot inter-island foot passenger project is successful. The Port will be following discussions on how to maintain service when the pilot ends.

The commission approved a sub-lease transfer of Hangar K6 to Loren DeShon. The commission reviewed different types of wind shelter options for the picnic space at Jacksons Beach.

The state budget kept funding intact for various Port projects including hangar upgrades, technical training, and specialized tooling. The Port’s goal is to create a new marine trade sector and retain high-value technical work on the island. Blake Marine has performed well and will be supported by the new travelift which will be possible with grant funding.

The Port is moving forward to lower the carbon footprint for all transportation, keep the local ecology in balance and avoid overdeveloped tourism. Current Port efforts for sustainability include solar canopies, converting the fleet to electric, and providing electric charging stations in the marina.

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