LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Marina project has big benefits
Published 5:03 pm Friday, October 24, 2008
To the editor:
On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week I attended the issues forums at the Clinton Community Center and the one sponsored by the League of Women Voters in Freeland. Both included a discussion of the levy lift we port commissioners are requesting for the improvement of the South Whidbey harbor at Langley.
The improvements include the removal of the derelict Hein dock, moving Phil Simon Park, permanently placing the recently acquired breakwater, improving the boat-ramp and construction of 65 new boat slips.
I would like to thank the citizens who represented the pro and con of the discussions and those who came, asked questions and listened. Maureen Cooke and Rene Neff created a factual brochure and presentation that answered many of the questions people had, and Wallace Russell’s discussion of the need for fuel at the marina provided us with insight into an issue that we will need to address in the future. Information about the project is available on the port’s Web site, www.portofsouthwhidbey.com.
I would like to respond to several questions that arose at these meetings:
Why didn’t we take the offer by the state to remove the derelict Hein dock now at the expense of the state?
We will be required to provide mitigation for any over-water construction and unfortunately cannot “bank” the credits received for removing the old dock without an existing permit to which we can apply them. Replacement credits, if we have to buy them, are very expensive and may well be out of our district. The $133,000 saved could easily cost twice that amount later and could be anywhere the credits are available, not here.
Are we planning to provide fuel for boaters?
Because of the negative cost/benefit analysis, complexity of a fuel permit and the urgent need to place the breakwater, we have separated the fuel issue from this phase of the project. The issue is deferred, not denied.
How long will the payback period be?
This is a tax levy lift for 20 years or less and is dedicated to this project. It is not a bond. If revenues from the marina exceed our projections, the payoff will be sooner. If not, the tax stops in 20 years, regardless.
What’s in it for non-boaters and/or people not living in Langley?
The mission of the port is economic, environmental and recreational. This project addresses all three. Besides the actual dollars realized in Langley, there are services and secondary job benefits for the rest of the business community. The economy is also linked to transportation. Living on an island means dependence on crossing the water for people and goods. The life span of the existing facility is five to 10 years and there is no alternative to the Clinton ferry for deep water moorage on South Whidbey. It’s a long drive to Deception Pass or Port Townsend.
Environmentally, we will be removing the creosote pilings of the old Hein dock, the sunken tire breakwater and eventually the creosote stockade breakwater/marina. We are working with the diving community to replace the recreational resource and habitat that will be lost with removal of the sunken breakwater.
There will be enhanced recreational opportunities for divers and non-motorized boaters, including sailboats and kayakers, and Phil Simon Park will be moved to the water side of the parking area which will improve the picnic experience.
What will happen if the levy doesn’t pass?
It is our intention to place the recently acquired breakwater in its permanent location to provide for some seasonal deep-water moorage, improve the boat ramp and move Phil Simon Park.
This project has been evolving for at least seven years and we believe it fits the needs and desires of the entire port district. The tax levy, if approved, will return us to the approximate tax-rate of the 1990s.
We are one of the lowest taxing ports in the state and take this request very seriously. I hope you will vote “YES” for the port levy increase.
Lynae Slinden
Commissioner
Port of South Whidbey
