Officials explore long-term upgrades
For the Port of Skagit’s La Conner Marina, whose south basin opened in 1970 amid much fanfare, aging gracefully will likely require some targeted nip-and-tuck work.
Port officials anticipate having to re-dredge the marina and replace its older floats while continuing to plan a long-range makeover of a 12-acre swath of its upland properties.
“We are in the budget process and the La Conner Marina is coming into focus for us,” said Port of Skagit Executive Director Sara Young said during a presentation to Town leaders last month.
Dredging a must-do
Young and Marina Harbormaster Charlie Knapp both have emphasized that a new dredging cycle at the marina is a must due to the buildup of sediment over the past several years.
Knapp said when the marina was last dredged, moorage roofs were so low at low tide “that it was hard to get the dredge in.”
Regular marina dredging ensures proper water depth, ensuring safe and efficient passage for boaters. It also helps keep year-round operations at maximum capacity as well as protecting the environment by reducing chances of boat propellers agitating the marina floor and clouding the water.
Longer term plans
Since 2022, the Port has sought public input and begun formulating plans to re-develop an upland section of the marina between Sullivan Slough and the north basin. The primary goals are improving traffic and pedestrian flow, increasing access to the waterfront and enhancing further support of the local maritime industry.
Young said the Port is still considering mixed-use and workforce housing development on the upland acreage, options raised three years ago during initial local public meetings.
“We’re not in a hurry,” Young told Mayor Marna Hanneman and Town Council members. “We want to be very thoughtful and put a plan together.”
Port history
When the marina’s south basin opened 55 years ago, the dedication ceremony was keynoted by the late U.S. Sen. Henry Jackson, who later twice sought the presidency and in 1972 was nominated as the Democratic Party’s standard bearer by none other than future president Jimmy Carter.
The marina immediately became a big part of the La Conner economy. In 1978, the Port added the north basin in response to the growing maritime industry in North Puget Sound.
Young last month lauded the partnership between the Port and Town, reflected most recently by the Port covering half the cost of a new Town fireboat and providing free moorage for the emergency vessel. Additionally, the Town’s Public Works Department is located at La Conner Marina.
“We have great faith in the marina,” Young said. “It’s a tourism and economic driver.”
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
