The Port of South Whidbey will take over management of its Humphrey Road parking lot, port officials announced Monday.

The commuter lot has been owned and maintained by the port since 1991, and has been operated as Patty’s Parking since 1996. Port officials said Monday the 200-space facility on the hillside above the Clinton ferry dock will be run by the port, starting July 1.

The parking fees will remain unchanged — $1 for six hours, $2 for 12 hours — for now.

“The commission directed that we keep rates the same for the first six months, and we will be looking at them this fall in conjunction with our whole budget process,” said Port Manager Ed Field.

The port is ending its series of three-year contracts with the Norman Group, better known as Patty’s Parking, when the current agreement expires.

“By understanding their customers and treating them in a friendly yet professional manner, Patty and Ray Norman built a loyal customer base and a great reputation,” Field said. “We hope to keep providing that service as seamlessly as possible, and we want to thank the Normans for much hard work over the past

15 years — and especially to Patty for her help with the transition.”

The lot, located along Humphrey Road and accessed by ferry users via stairs up from Highway 525, is used by permit holders, as well as daily parkers and Washington State Ferries employees.

Permits will now be available from the port office in Freeland as well as by mail.

“The only change in operations that our customers may notice is a different color permit tag, but we also have some major maintenance underway,” Field said.

The stairway is being readied for major work. Field said years of salt exposure have resulted in corrosion to the stair tread rebar, so replacement stair tread units have been ordered and are now being fabricated.

The repairs will be made during off-peak daytime hours.