Construction begins on Eastsound public float ahead of 2027 re-opening

Crews expect to finish the in‑water work—including pilings and anchorage—and return the dock to its pre‑closure condition before year’s end

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

Repairs to the pilings at the public dock in Eastsound are expected to begin in November. This much-anticipated project will address key maintenance needs and restore seasonal use of the dock.

With the project’s design, permitting, and bidding now complete, construction is being scheduled to take place this winter. Crews will finish the in-water work—including replacement of toxic creosote wood piles with steel structures—and return the dock to its pre-closure condition no later than January 15, 2027. At this time, the float will be stored and launched again in the spring to resume regular seasonal usage. 

“We say ‘pre-closure status’ because we are hoping to continue work on this facility that will drastically improve the site in a way that it can reliably provide year-round access,” said Council Chair Justin Paulsen. “This work involves addressing some of the structural deficiencies of the pier and breakwater portion of the facility.”

The County anticipates removing the float again in the fall to continue regular inspections and protect it from winter weather. The County is actively pursuing funding from the Boating Infrastructure Grant program through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office that would support the ability to modernize the facility further and facilitate year-round access.

Background

San Juan County’s Public Works Department owns and/or maintains marine facilities (piers, floats, and ramps) at 16 locations across the islands, one of which is located in Eastsound on Orcas Island. Each year, the County removes the marine float between September and May to protect it from winter storms. In 2025, when crews inspected the infrastructure for damage and safety concerns, they discovered damage to the pilings used to secure the float. Therefore, the 40ft long float could not be reinstalled and required repair. 

We recognize how important these marine facilities are to commuters, visitors, businesses, locals, and other service providers who rely on this infrastructure for regular operations and travel, and we greatly appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as this important work moves forward. 

About San Juan County’s Public Works Department 

San Juan County’s Public Works Department constructs and maintains county roads. The department offices are located at 1609 Beaverton Valley Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Public Works Department, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/277/Public-Works .