QUILCENE — The Port of Port Townsend has received grant money for a feasibility study and a business plan for revitalizing the Herb Beck Marina in Quilcene
The state Community Economic Revitalization Board has awarded the port a $50,000 grant, said Kimberly Matej, port communications coordinator, in a news release.
The port will provide the required 25 percent match for the project. That, along with funds already set aside for the Quilcene marina in the capital budget, will bring the total funds available to $67,000.
The first step, according to Matej, will be to select a qualified consultant for the project. The study will include market assessments, an assessment of the marina and surrounding properties, and a proposed business plan for the marina.
The end goal is to create a plan for the Herb Beck Marina that includes the utilization of surrounding properties, a way to improve and maintain the marina, enhance public access and do it all in a financially sustainable way.
The Herb Beck Marina in Quilcene consists of about 40 acres on the shore of Quilcene Bay. The marina has about 50 slips and a small boat launch. The property around it includes bathroom and laundry facilities, a swimming area and RV hookups.
While the marina is small, it is one of the few public access points in Jefferson County for boaters seeking to fish or harvest shellfish in Hood Canal. It is a staple for the small community of Quilcene, especially during the summer.
The feasibility study will be the first step toward that goal of economic viability and financial stability for the marina, which is not slated for any major capital projects in the next year, according to the port’s capital projects budget.
The marina is in need of significant repairs, and the port is struggling to pay for those repairs.
Port officials have said they have no plans to sell the marina, speaking after a rumor during the port’s budget process that it was considering selling the marina to Coast Seafoods, which leases property next to the marina.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.
