Westport Marina’s ongoing modernisation programme has secured further federal funding for the replacement of its ageing commercial fishing docks. On 27 October, the Port of Grays Harbor announced a $6.274 million USD grant from the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) for float 15, which serves some of the largest commercial fishing vessels operating from the marina.

Port of Grays Harbor

A $3 million non-federal contribution will match the grant awarded through MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program. The project will replace float 15 with a new main dock and finger piers measuring between 65 and 100ft (20 and 100 metres) in length, supported by new steel piles, an upgraded approach pier and gangway, and improvements to electrical and shore power services, fire suppression systems and potable water connections. Preliminary design work is complete, and major state and federal permits have already been secured for the project.

According to the Port of Grays Harbor, the project aims to improve safety and operational efficiency by replacing docks that are now between 45 and 60 years old and providing facilities better suited to the current commercial fishing fleet. The upgrades aim to support commercial fishing and seafood processing operations across the Pacific Northwest, as Westport Marina remains Washington State’s largest seafood landing port and serves more than 275 commercial fishing vessels throughout the year.

The port launched the Westport Marina Modernization Plan in 2022, and its first phase covers four projects: the replacement of float 21 and removal of float 19, the replacement of floats 15 and 17, and the rehabilitation of float 11. The latest award follows a separate $6.2 million grant from the US Economic Development Administration in August 2026 for the float 21 project.