Replacement float to be installed at Orcas Landing public dock – area closed Nov. 18 & 19

The replacement float was fabricated by the Port of Friday Harbor and will help ensure marine access is provided at this essential public facility while the County continues to seek additional funding for capital replacement

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

A replacement float for the public dock adjacent to the WSF terminal at Orcas Landing will be installed November 18 and 19. During this time, there will be no marine access at this facility. The replacement float was fabricated by the Port of Friday Harbor and will help ensure marine access is provided at this essential public facility while the County continues to seek additional funding for capital replacement.

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 at Orcas Landing, next to the Washington State Ferries terminal. As a free, public dock, this transient moorage is available to any community member. Additionally, transitory moorage for a variety of marine protection, assistance, and enforcement agencies, including WDFW, USCG, and DNR, is regularly observed. The facility also provides passenger-only service during ferry disruptions, making it a vital transportation asset.

On October 27, Public Works Director Colin Huntemer provided the Council with a ‘County Marine Facility Update’ where Council reviewed aging infrastructure – including Orcas Landing. We recognize how important this marine facility is 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.

Future Repairs at Orcas Landing

In an effort to manage budget constraints in 2026 and 2027, San Juan County pursued congressional funding to help update the facility at Orcas Landing. This included submitting a Community Project Funding request to Representative Rick Larsen’s Office and to the State’s capital budget for the 2027-29 fiscal year.

The County looks forward to providing additional information about the proposed project as it becomes available.

An annual report of County marine facilities is available from the Public Works Department: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/309/County-Roads.

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 .