Swinomish lands major grant for port projects

The future is now for the fledgling Port of Swinomish.

The tribal port authority, created just two years ago, was awarded an $11 million federal grant in October that will fast track its long-range goals by a decade, according to Swinomish Port Commission Chair J.J. Wilbur. He shared a glimpse of more immediate goals.

“We are going to hire a consultant very soon to help advocate with state, federal and local agencies and continue to pursue funding opportunities,” Wilbur told the Weekly News.

“We are also in the process of hiring a harbormaster,” added Wilbur. “The position has been posted for some time. We’re hoping to find someone soon.”

The grant is through the Port Infrastructure Development Program part of this year’s infrastructure bill. Projects include a boat ramp construction project and a Port Master Plan, design and construction of a boat launch with gear and storage space, design and engineering upgrades to an existing commercial pier and replacement of moorage floats.

Wilbur said the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community had anticipated waiting years to see those projects funded.

“With this grant,” Wilbur said in a release to the media, “we can begin to put our vision into action for our community.”

Wilbur praised Swinomish Director of Land Management Elissa Kalla for her work on the application.

The Swinomish Port Commission was created last year and since then has teamed with tribal staff and other organizations to draft designs for the initial phase of work toward enhancing waterfront infrastructure, maritime economic development and the Swinomish fishing fleet.

Wilbur said it is his understanding Swinomish has one of the few tribal port districts in the nation. The grant will help achieve the ultimate goal of developing a regional port facility.

Input from members of the Swinomish fishing fleet is being sought to further assess future needs, he indicated.

Wilbur pointed to past successful tribal long-range development plans, such as those unveiled in the 1980s for the north end of Swinomish Channel, by late Senator Susan Edwards Wilbur and other tribal leaders.

“Susan and our senate have had a history of being great long-term visionaries,” he said. “There’s lots of work to continue to do on behalf of our growing community.”