Projects, Plans, & Initiatives

La Conner Marina Redevelopment

The Port is undertaking a feasibility study to redevelop a 13-acre section of property between Sullivan Slough and Marina’s north basin. This property includes a collection of aging buildings, the Port’s RV park and storage facility. The Port is investigating the possibilities of redevelopment that would allow for better use of the property and create more economic opportunities for the marina and community. The primary goals are to increase public access to the waterfront, improve traffic and pedestrian circulation through the property, and support a thriving maritime industry. The Port is also considering whether mixed use development makes sense for a portion of the site. Working with our consulting team, the Port hopes to have a vision for redevelopment, financial modeling, and recommendations for zoning changes to bring forward to the Town of La Conner by fall 2022. Click below to view the slides from the redevelopment presentation.

Marina Master Plan

The Port of Skagit was created in 1964 and part of its first economic development plan called for a boat harbor in La Conner that would serve maritime traffic through the Swinomish Channel. Since then, the La Conner Marina has grown into a recreational and commercial hub for maritime industries, services, tourism and more. To ensure the La Conner Marina continues to operate as a high-quality, useful facility for maritime purposes, the Port maintains a master plan to guide future developments.

Dredging

The Swinomish Channel is a critical 11-mile long artery that connects Skagit Bay with Padilla Bay, and provides inside passage from the Puget Sound to the San Juan Islands. It is authorized to a depth of minus 12 feet below mean lower low water (MLLW). But high shoaling rates require the Channel to be dredged at least every three years by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to retain the authorized depth.

The Port of Skagit, along with key partners and stakeholders, plays an important role in advocacy for the Swinomish Channel to be dredged at least every three years to maintain safe navigable depths for commercial and recreational vessels.

Marine businesses and boaters on the Swinomish Channel generate sales of approximately $86.2-million in business revenue annually, along with approximately 500 jobs. This commerce and the direct and indirect jobs from these businesses depend upon a safe, navigable channel.