County Marine Facility Update | Council reviews aging infrastructure

Marine facilities are part of the County’s essential public transportation system, and the County anticipates significant challenges maintaining these facilities in the coming years

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

During this week’s meeting, the San Juan County Council reviewed the conditions of the County’s marine facilities and the extensive repairs and maintenance they require. Most County operated marine sites are more than 30 years old, and many now need major upgrades. These facilities are funded through the Roads Fund, yet regular distributions (like State fuel taxes) do not account for the high cost of maintaining marine infrastructure in addition to the County’s road network. As a result, the County is facing significant challenges in funding and supporting all its transportation elements.

Public Works Director Colin Huntemer cautioned the Council that the Roads Fund alone cannot cover the major capital replacements expected in the coming years. Without new funding sources, the continued upkeep of this essential marine infrastructure will rely heavily on grants or legislative appropriations. If additional external funds are not attainable, the County will need to consider prioritizing which marine facilities remain open.

“Many of these facilities were built in a time when it was much easier to get work done in our marine environment,” said Public Works Director, Colin Huntemer. “But now, accomplishing the same work requires significantly more effort.” 

Required Maintenance 

About one-third of the County’s six-year transportation improvement program (TIP) consists of marine-based capital projects. In addition to the TIP, the County’s Comprehensive Plan 2025-2045 directs the priorities of County marine facility projects: 

• (1) existing county marine facilities located on non-ferry served islands (which currently include Stuart, Decatur, and Waldron Islands);
• (2) existing county marine facilities located on ferry-served islands, which provide primary access to ferry-served islands from non-ferry served islands (which currently include facilities in on Lopez in Hunter Bay; on Orcas at the Ferry Terminal, Obstruction Pass, and West Sound; and on San Juan in Roche Harbor)
• (3) other existing county marine facilities (which currently include several other locations on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez) 

Notable Upcoming Projects

• Orcas Landing Main Float Replacement – This project kicks off with the installation of a new replacement float with work planned for November 2026. This float will be smaller than the existing float at a cost of $260,000 for consulting, permits, mitigation credits, fabrication, installation, and related activities.
• Hunter Bay Capital Replacement – The facility is approximately 30 years old and has undergone years of repairs in preparation for more significant work. Use of the facility frequently exceeds capacity, and the float runs aground at low tide. The adjacent ramp was replaced by County crews in 2016, and in 2019, the float broke apart and was quickly repaired by County crews. Additional work is needed to stabilize the facility and consider options to move into deeper waters. These upgrades are estimated to cost over $2,500,000.
• Griffin Bay Barge Landing Facility – The County continues to engage with restoration partners, marine consultants, operators, and regulatory agencies regarding the future of the only public barge landing on San Juan Island. Improvements are likely required for existing operations to continue.
• Eastsound Piling Repairs – The float at this facility was removed in 2025 for repairs. In addition to repairing the float, the County seeks to remove seven creosote piles and install three steel piles instead. In the meantime, the replaced float is expected to be back in seasonal service starting in April of 2027. The cost to remove and replace the pilings is estimated to be approximately $405,000.

Looking Ahead

The 2027 six-year transportation improvement program (2027-2032), identifies seven marine projects: 

• Madrona Point / Eastsound marine facility repairs 
• Waldron float replacement 
• Hunter Bay marine facility 
• Griffin Bay marine facility 
• West Sound Marine Facility
• Orcas Landing marine facility 
• Madrona Point marine facility improvement 

Marine facilities are part of the County’s essential public transportation system, and the County anticipates significant fiscal challenges maintaining these facilities in the coming years. 

Contact: Colin Huntemer, Public Works Director, colinh@sanjuancountywa.gov 

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 .