The Port of South Whidbey is in the earliest stages of looking into expanding its harbor.

At a special meeting Tuesday, port commissioners discussed the estimated price tag and possible funding sources for increasing the size of the South Whidbey Harbor in Langley.

The first phase of the expansion would likely include the purchase of a 220-foot breakwater float and re-positioning the existing D and E docks, said Executive Director Stan Reeves. Pulling the floats out would create additional room for future expansion.

This proposal is expected to cost approximately $6.4 million. Commissioners directed Reeves to reach out to local yacht clubs in an attempt to find partners in funding. The port may also reach out to the City of Langley.

After the first phase, the port would eventually purchase additional finger piers to increase the capacity.

Reeves said the port will also be looking for grant opportunities to fund the project. The plan is still a concept, and the port may decide to use a different method for harbor expansion if it moves forward, he said.

In 2016, the port spent about $92,000 on outside mooring to allow space for larger boats to tie up. The retrofitting created more space in the marina to accommodate vessels 100 feet or larger, such as commercial fishing boats or mega yachts.

The marina has 42 slips, 38 of which are available for transient moorage, Reeves said.