The federal maintenance hopper dredges are coming to Grays Harbor on April 8 through May 30.
To avoid damage to fishing gear, it is essential that fishermen and crabbers remove their crab pots and equipment from these areas before dredging begins.
Maintenance dredging is critical to the working waterways of Grays Harbor, via a partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who annually dredge the channel to ensure the safe navigation of ships, vessels, and barges in and out of Grays Harbor.
Dredging is necessary for safe navigation conditions to allow large ocean-going vessels to enter and leave the Port of Grays Harbor and other nearby facilities safely.
Dredging details:
Dredging shoaled areas of the Bar, Entrance, Point Chehalis and South reaches
The Yaquina is scheduled to start dredging in the outer harbor of Grays Harbor April 8 for about 13 days
The Essayons is scheduled to start dredging in the outer harbor April 8 for about 24 days.
Dredging work will be performed 24/7 with all work to be concluded May 30
Community concerns:
Material will be placed in the South Beach Beneficial Use Site and Half Moon Bay Beneficial Use Site or the Point Chehalis disposal sites
Hoppers will use the navigation channel, all placement/disposal target areas and access lanes
Fishermen and crabbers must relocate any boats, pots and gear before they are damaged by dredging and disposal activities
Position vessels, pots and/or gear at least 300 feet from any channel and placement/disposal area boundaries to provide a buffer zone to allow for boats, pots, and/or gear drifting into the area used by the hoppers
Gear that drifts into the navigation channel, access channel, and/or target placement/disposal areas may be damaged or destroyed by the hoppers
Still waiting on annual moorage?
The Westport Marina waitlist is growing. While they continue to assign boaters from their waitlist, the demand for moorage is growing, and we have a waitlist for all annual moorage requests.
You must be on the waitlist to be considered for a new annual moorage slip (even if you already have a boat in the marina)
You need to pay the non-refundable $100 administrative fee and a $25 annual fee to remain on the list
Moorage is assigned in the order the requests are received, considering the overall length, beam and operating characteristics of the vessel — placements will reflect the long-term goals of the Marina Modernization Plan
Existing annual moorage customers requesting a slip change will be accommodated first
Customers must remain in good standing with insurance, registration, charges, and marina use
Buying or selling a boat?
Planning to bring in a new or bigger boat? Check with staff first, as your existing slip may no longer be suitable, and bigger slips are limited.
Planning to sell your boat? Remember, your annual moorage contract sticks with you, not your boat. The buyer will need to secure annual moorage.
If you know you will need changes to your annual moorage in the future, please contact the office.
Why are there so many empty slips?
Though it may appear that many slips are empty, most are leased. Additionally, due to pending construction, accommodations for transient vessels, and available slips for boat relocations, we only assign about 60-65% of the slips in the marina for annual moorage.
Slip placement
When they take into account the future of the marina, each boat placement is a bit like playing a game of chess. As slips become available, they look to assign boats to slips that are in line with their long-term plans.
Slips are first offered to existing annual moorage customers who have requested a new slip, and then to new annual moorage holders from the waitlist.
Summer reservations
If you are considering a trip to the Westport Marina this summer, there are a few essential things you will want to keep in mind:
Demand for monthly moorage is huge, with more demand than available slips
The Marina office will begin taking monthly moorage reservation requests for the summer (June 1 to Sept. 30) on April 15 at 8 a.m.
Phone: 360-533-9562
Office: 326 Lamb St. Westport
They continue to accept moorage reservations for stays now through May 31.
Seasonal employment
Check out the seasonal employment opportunities with the Port of Grays Harbor.
Painting, landscaping, and dock repair are critical components of the Westport Marina seasonal maintenance program.
The Westport Marina is a wonderful place to work. Each summer, they employ a great group of seasonal staff to keep the facility running smoothly. If you or someone you know is looking for a great seasonal job opportunity, please consider the Westport Marina.
They work with all skill and experience levels. This year, they are bringing on multiple office staff and maintenance crew hires. These positions are a great way to earn money while working on the Westport waterfront.
Many positions are available at the Port throughout the county this season. There are several seasonal job opportunities throughout Grays Harbor County at the Port’s various facilities. Interested? Go to https://www.portofgraysharbor.com/staff-job-openings
Esplanade repairs
The Westport Marina Waterfront esplanade fence needs significant repairs.
Port staff have teamed up with consultant KPFF to develop a new barrier between the sidewalk and the bankline. While the design process is still underway, changes are coming. They look forward to sharing the plan for improvement with the community.
In the meantime, you will see changes to the old esplanade to address safety concerns associated with the old, rotten wood. Feel free to reach out to the marina staff should you have any questions.
