Jessie Stensland reports from Oak Harbor for the Whidbey News-Times. Read the whole story.
Oak Harbor is proposing extensive mitigation measures as part of an application for dredging the city-owned marina.
Proposed mitigation may include the removal of marina structures, including A dock, covered moorage roofing and support structures, sunken barges, an unused boat launcher and finger floats, according to a public notice from the Army Corps of Engineers. Such mitigation measures, which would take place over 10 years, are meant to balance out any environmental harm caused by dredging and are a regular part of permitting for in-water projects.
The Army Corps of Engineers is accepting comments about the project at rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs.
City officials are in discussions about how best to fund dredging as well as other improvements at the Oak Harbor Marina. Ideas have included the adoption of a business and occupation tax on the top-earning businesses, the creation of a port district, the expansion of an existing port district and the formation of a metropolitan parks and recreation district.
The officials have made it clear that regular dredging of the marina is necessary for boat traffic. A city consultant reported that dredging is needed every 10 to 13 years, City Councilmember Eric Marshall said at a meeting. The cost of dredging is estimated at $10 million, while the city already has a $1 million grant from Island County.
On the Ballot in November 2025
| CITY OF OAK HARBOR |
|---|
| Councilmember, Position 4 Barbara Armes |
| Councilmember, Position 5 James P. Marrow, the incumbent Brit Kraner Marrow was appointed to replace Shane Hoffmire until the results of the election are certified in November. |
| Councilmember, Position 6 Andy Plumlee Sandi Peterson Incumbent Jim Woessner did not file for another term. |
| Councilmember, Position 7 Bryan Stucky |
