Port of Friday Harbor April 24, 2026

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Friday Harbor Port Commission, April 24th, 2026

Jim McLuen, a local metal artist, gave a presentation to the Commission in response to the RFP for artwork to be located on the outside wall of the showers in the marina. He outlined his proposal for a metal sculpture, and he drew attention to his work at the Roche Harbor Sculpture Park amongst other installations. His work will be evaluated with all of the other submissions.

Sail Electric Inc has been awarded the AIP Project – 3-53-0152-050-2026 – for Airfield Lighting and Signage Replacement. After extensive due diligence from the Port, they were awarded the contract based on the lowest bid and have had extensive experience finishing prior similar projects.

The Commission discussed the Cannery Property Community Open House and reviewed the draft plan for the open house. This strategic planning event will include the opportunity for ideas to be presented, voted on and, following community input, each project will have consideration given to feasibility and costs. A broad collection of ideas has been compiled for review. All feedback will be included for community consideration. Reports and updates from the meeting will be posted for the public on the port website.

The Executive Director gave his report on two grants that are currently in progress. The Port may receive follow-on funding from the PFAP grant which would increase its total value to 1 million. Additionally, an application has been submitted for a MARAD grant to replace the breakwater and to protect the barge landing and working waterfront areas. This grant would cover about 80% of the breakwater replacement cost. The current breakwater is inadequate and needs to be larger and farther out to provide the necessary protection.

The Port has also applied for a federal EDA grant focusing on job creation and for port infrastructure development. Other current Port projects that are underway or near completion include the replacement tanks for the airport fuel system and the upper marina parking lot solar canopy.

It was reported that marina reservations have been very strong this year and expected to surpass last year’s numbers.

*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 membership