Port wraps Boyer public plan meetings

Public meetings seeking input for a potential future project at Boyer Park and Marina have concluded, and the Port is moving forward with a pre-application for a dock system planning grant, reported Port Executive Director Joe Poiré.

The public meeting Feb. 2 had 10 to 12 people in attendance consisting of people who keep their boats in the water seasonably and people who frequently use the boat ramp and trailer their boats, Poiré said.

“People want the docks improved,” Poiré told the Gazette. “Some want covered slips, but the majority like the sunshine and the view and don't want covered slips.”

He also said that some suggested building indoor storage for boats so that people could leave their boats there instead of trailering them.

Poiré said the next step for this project is submitting the pre-application for a dock system planning grant. He plans to be in Olympia today and hand deliver the application to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Department while he is there.

Poiré said the application could help the Port gain a grant which would enable them to complete a feasibility study for the proposed construction.

“The next step is a feasibility study. It's more of a community study than it is an infrastructure study,” he said. “They really want to make sure it is what the community wants.”

Construction would not take place immediately, Poiré noted.

“If we're successful at everything and if it all goes as planned, we'll be starting construction in two years,” he said.

Poiré said that when construction does start, it should not take long.

“They make all that stuff and bring it down. It will all just launch off the boat ramp,” he said. “It would take about a month.”

Poiré also noted that the Port has twice been funded by state parks and recreation. Once for a river trail at Boyer and another time at the docks for a handicapped rail and dock system. He said he is hopeful the department will come through a third time.

“We've got a real need,” he said.