Port of Friday Harbor March 13, 2026

LWVSJ Observer Corps: Friday Harbor Port Commission, March 13th, 2026

The Commissioners approved the reassignment of the lease on Hangar K6A from Gossom to Howard, and approved the new lease for the Oystertale Restaurant. The Commissions thanked Kyle Gropp for all of the work he and his staff put in.

The Port is planning a Special Cannery Meeting/Charette to involve the public in the planning for the future of the facilities. The Port is soliciting ideas from the public on their website and planning a public event to garner community interest for early June. Participants suggested that the meeting include materials from the Port and informal discussions for public input. Consideration will be given to all ideas although some may not be feasible due to zoning, septic systems and water availability. Tours of the property could be arranged for interested parties. The goal is to address safety concerns, create a general plan and align zoning with intended public use by early 2027. Details will be publicized to the community.

Kyle Gropp updated the Commission on the solar canopy project, reporting that permits are secured, materials have been delivered and the area is fenced off in readiness to start construction.

The Port will try to get the second half of the million-dollar funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program for next year.

The Marine Resources Committee (MRC) has communicated that there are ongoing problems with mooring balls. Having a presence at the County Fair would give the Port the opportunity to showcase the Port’s initiatives and the MRC and their stewardship efforts.

The Port received a request from the Food Bank and Food Hub to provide freezer space on Port property.  The Port is willing to partner but cannot provide free space. Areas such as Jensen’s or the shipyards are dedicated to maritime and marine industries, making them unsuitable for a freezer. Airport property is unsuitable, as hangars are reserved for aeronautical uses and federal assurances. Public safety prohibits unrelated access and driving onto the airport.

·       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