Port of Friday Harbor: Jacksons Beach pavement project in June and July, Airport runway replacement project beginning
LWVSJ Observer Corps* Notes Friday Harbor Port Commission, May 10th, 2023.
The Commission approved resolutions covering the FAA and WSDOT application for the Friday Harbor Airport design, construction, and services during construction for the replacement of existing runway; an FAA and WSDOT application for the Friday Harbor Airport Environmental Study and Environmental Assessment related to the development of the undeveloped southwest airport property; a grant application to buy an electric vehicle for airport operations; awarding to PNW Civil Inc of Bellingham for the runway underdrain replacement project. The project will start after the end of the summer season and will take about 2.5 months. Construction will be mostly done at night, so the airport will be fully useable during the day.
The Director estimated the Jackson Beach Pavement Contract will cost $250K. The expected start date is the first week of June with completion by the end of July. Provisions will need to be made to give access to those living at the Cannery.
Commissioners granted authority to the Director to execute contracts for the IOSA building above his delegated authority up to $100k in the absence of a quorum.
The May 24th commission meeting is cancelled due to the absence of one commissioner. The Port plans a special meeting in early June to review applications for the open Commissioner position. Those planning to run for the position this fall can file at the county until the May 19 and have until the May 22 to withdraw. After the May 22 the Port will confirm who is running.
The Fire Department has a permit to do wildland fire training in the forest area behind the Mullis Street station on June 11. They will issue a public notice. The Port needs to verify that no toxic chemicals will be used and to check liability issues.
The Director attended a call with the Port of Coupville which procured Eisenberg Airfield and wanted information on operational and financial impacts of operating an airport and working with the FAA.
The Commission discussed a play and paddle area for the Native tribes and proposed a location. A recommendation was made to work through the county tribal leaders to move this forward.
A final citizen comment was made by Les Kempton who is interested in getting his slip back after he had moved his boat to Anacortes to sell it. He would like to try to get his slip back which remains empty. and it is a narrow slip. The Port will review the waitlist to see the buyer of the boat is eligible for that slip.
*The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.