Westport Marina Boat Launch Improved in Time for Salmon Fishing

Replacement of the boarding floats is nearly complete at the Westport Marina Boat Launch Ramp thanks to a $137,067 grant from Washington’s Recreation & Conservation Office (RCO) Boating Facilities Program.

The Port of Grays Harbor is providing $85,208 as the local match for the project. The two boarding floats service three lanes used each year by more than 7,000 recreational fishermen and boaters to access the Pacific Ocean and waters of Grays Harbor.

Years of harsh weather conditions, tidal actions and floating debris had caused damage to floats, puncturing through the concrete floats to expose the Styrofoam inside. Steel hinge swivel connections worn over time caused the float surfaces and transition plates to be uneven, creating potential trip hazards.

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Crews have replaced the two aged boarding floats with all new materials. In a matter of days, the old docks were removed and new put in their place. Night work was planned to limit the disruption to boaters using the facility.

RCO is no newcomer to the Westport Boat Ramp. In 2001, the agency recognized the importance of the Westport facility to recreational boaters by funding lengthening of the ramp and resurfacing with concrete planking. Monies for the grant program come from a portion of the motor vehicle gasoline tax paid by boaters.