At long last, the sluggish federal permitting process dragging out the Port of South Whidbey’s marina expansion project appears to be moving forward.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the federal agency that has been reviewing the port’s plans since November 2011, has opened a 30-day public comment period for the project.

The $2.4 million renovation proposes to recondition and reconfigure a 400-foot breakwater with pilings, run supporting utilities out to the dock and install a new 80-foot gangway that would connect everything to the existing marina.

To view the project details or comment, visit www.nws.usace.army.mil, select “regulatory/permits,” then “public notices.” All comments must be received no later than Sept. 7.

Port Manager Ed Field said the hope is that the agency will issue permits for the project before the end of September. As of now, the port is on the verge of acquiring a building permit from the city.

“We are ready,” he said.