Port of Friday Harbor Commission Meeting May 8, 2026

LWVSJ Observer Corps: Friday Harbor Port Commission, May 8th, 2026

A Marina slip holder with a parking permit expressed concern over the delay in constructing the upper parking lot solar canopy and its adverse impact on parking availability. The Port will pause the project over the summer to alleviate parking pressures and it will be picked up again in September. Parking fee discounts will be extended to liveaboards during the construction phase.

Resolution 26-004: the MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant application requiring matching funds. The program provides discretionary grants to improve port safety, efficiency and climate resilience. Funding for small port projects is available, but the Port must match any remaining amounts and thus requires a resolution to match the funds if the grant is awarded. The grant funds could redo the breakwater, main walkway, and pier of Shipyard Cove and also contribute to the purchase of the new travelift. The Commission approved this resolution.

The Commissioners considered early renewal or modification of the lease for the J-Hangar Association. They decided that a new lease would be drawn up, with contingencies in place requiring certain improvements or upgrades as a condition for future lease renewal. This policy will prevent frequent lease renewals without investment, which could lead to FAA concerns. The Executive Director will bring the hangar lease topic back to the next meeting for further discussion and will refine the one-time lease extension policy for review.

A synopsis of communications for the joint meeting with the Town of Friday Harbor on May 21^st has been sent to the town. The Port will present a powerpoint, including high points of projects that might generate questions, and emphasize the importance of partnerships for job creation in the town. Discussions will include current projects for the Port and Town, the UGA status, future Port zoning and the Shipyard Cove Annexation, as well as continued and possible new collaborations.

The RFP (Request for Proposals) for art project entries drew excellent selections, with the Alchemy proposal standing out as a high quality community project. All submissions will be considered based on their artistic merit; public input will be solicited before the Port’s final decision. A news release could be circulated to invite public feedback either via the website or at the Cannery meeting on June 4^th. The Port will consider inviting a Town Arts Commission representative to join the committee.

There are no updates on the RFP out for the floating sauna project; it was noted that proposals typically arrive late in the process.

Once the solar panels are up in the marina parking lot, it was suggested that a sign be erected to warn truck drivers of the lower 13 ft. overhead clearance. 

·       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