The US Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded the Port of Grays Harbor a $6.2 million USD grant to modernise Westport Marina in Washington. The funding will support the replacement of floats 19 and 21 and will be matched by $2.6 million in non-federal funds.

Founded in 1911, the Port of Grays Harbor is one of Washington State’s oldest port districts, operating four deep-water marine terminals, Bowerman Airport, ship-assist services, public waterfront facilities, industrial and business parks in the county and Westport Marina. With 550 slips, the marina accommodates commercial fishing vessels measuring from 11-30 metres long, and serves as the leading seafood landing port in the state.

The port began its marina modernisation plan in 2022 to address its ageing floating dock infrastructure, much of which is 45-60 years old, through a phased programme to replace, rehabilitate and reconfigure the docks. With the latest grant, the port will begin the project by replacing floats 19 and 21 with wider and longer slips to accommodate the growing commercial fishing fleet.

The new layout will include a 151-metre main float, with 15 slips measuring 17 metres, six measuring 27 metres, one measuring 30 metres and a 47-metre end tie. Plans also include new 40cm and 61cm steel pipe piles, an entrance abutment and an 24 x 1.5-metre gangway. Electrical service, potable water, lighting and fire suppression will also be installed.

The EDA grant comes through its 2025 disaster supplemental funding programme, which followed the federal disaster declaration for the winter of 2024. The programme provides discretionary funding to help communities recover from natural disasters and improve their economic conditions.

Stan Pinnick, president of the Port of Grays Harbor commission, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the EDA for this funding opportunity to kick-off the modernisation of the marina’s floating dock infrastructure that supports hundreds of jobs and a diverse working waterfront. As a rural port district faced with limited funding resources for marinas, we must leverage all funding opportunities, but we are confident this project will be a prudent use of federal dollars as it directly benefits our commercial, tribal and recreational fishermen that rely on the marina’s infrastructure for their livelihoods”. 

Molly Bold, general manager of Westport Marina, commented: “This project is a significant win for the commercial fishing industry. As more vessels call on Westport, the need for modern, reliable moorage has never been greater. Investing in robust infrastructure supports the fleet that delivers the seafood our community is known for. This project is a critical first step for Westport Marina modernisation”.

Images courtesy of Port of Grays Harbor.