Port of Friday Harbor Commissioners Meeting September 25, 2026

LWVSJ Observer Corps: Friday Harbor Port Commission, September25, 2026

The Commissioners approved a contract for San Juan Canvas, with terms identical to its previous contract and with a five year extension.

The Commissioners approved a new lease for San Juan Air’s Hangar 80 with all terms remaining the same but with an extended abatement period to 36 months to accommodate ongoing delays in FAA repair station certification.  They also approved a change order for Hangers 30 and 32 for roofing materials due to supply difficulties.  The FAA is providing 90% of the cost.

Proposed 2027 Tariff Adjustments and Moorage/Hangar rates will increase by 4.4% based on the August Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Port staff recommends continuing to align rates with the CPI, with the significant increase of operational costs.  Staff will prepare a comparative analysis of regional hangar rates for the October meeting. The waitlist for permanent slips continues to average two to five years.  The Commissioners agreed to continue this pricing model unless the Port can no longer meet its maintenance obligations or if slip demand drops.

The Swinomish Leadership Meeting is scheduled for October 23^rd in Friday Harbor. Participants will discuss long-haul planning for the Cannery site, and identify the Tribe’s questions, concerns or issues over the Port-controlled areas.   Information on the meeting may be sent to other local tribes to explore their interest in participating in future similar meetings.

A San Juan County Examiner will hold a hearing on October 28^th to determine next steps for the Haul Out Project permitting and strategic planning. The Port will be ready with a clearly documented response to avoid another hearing extension.  Should the project be delayed, the team will contact the Dept of Commerce and County PSAP to discuss potential grant extensions.

The Port has secured a $650,000 grant from WSDOT to complete the driveway paving to Jensen’s and Shipyard Cove within five years and to establish different barge routes during the clean-up, paving and capping phase.  This work will provide driveways and parking areas that are expected to last over 20 years.

Port staff has proposed picking broad categories for zoning for the Cannery to allow possible uses but not unlimited uses.  Under a general classification, projects would be possible but would require a conditional use permit (CUP) that is expected to receive community support.

Port staff will review existing marina signage, and will refresh, replace, or expand signage to address protection of marine life and encourage respectful environmental interaction.

*The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to promote public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.