State Awards Oak Harbor Marina Over $620,000 for Infrastructure Upgrades

On March 16, 2024, the marina experienced an electrical failure along the main walkway, knocking out power to E, F, and G Docks. A total of 120 vessels were impacted, with staff scrambling to relocate liveaboard tenants first, then other boaters on a first-come, first-served basis. Two years later, the money to prevent a repeat is finally here.

Rep. Dave Paul, D-Oak Harbor, secured more than $620,000 for infrastructure improvements and updates to the City of Oak Harbor Marina. The state capital budget allocation, announced March 23, totals $621,000 and was years in the making: a similar $600,000 grant earmarked for the marina was stripped from the state capital budget during negotiations after the 2025 Legislative Session.

The most urgent repair targets E Dock directly. According to the city's press release, "E Dock power was identified as the next likely emergency failure due to separation from junction boxes and unsupported utility lines." The funding will bring E Dock electricity up to code, improving safety and service consistency for boaters using that section of the marina.

The marina's 30-year-old upland restrooms and showers will also benefit from the funding, with money going toward updating and repairing sewer infrastructure and modernizing plumbing, flooring, and fixtures.

Mayor Ronnie Wright called the marina "a staple in Oak Harbor" and said the upgrades are "an exciting step forward for our community," adding: "I want to thank Rep. Paul and my team for making this happen for Oak Harbor."

The stakes of deferred maintenance at the facility are significant. The marina is fifty years old, facing dredging, breakwater, fuel dock, and electrical issues, with escalating damage that could result in a loss of insurance coverage; the current insurance deductible for damages is $100,000. It relies solely on revenue generated at the marina for all expenses associated with operating a 420-slip facility, including all capital projects.

The city's press release framed the $621,000 as more than a maintenance fix, stating the investment "not only supports the waterfront infrastructure but is a major economic component in the community." For Paul, the language echoes arguments he has made repeatedly at the state level. "Upgrading the Oak Harbor Marina is not just about infrastructure," Paul said previously. "It's about jobs, tourism and positioning Oak Harbor for long-term economic success."

No implementation timeline or contractor selection process has been announced. The city has not specified how the $621,000 will be divided across the E Dock electrical work and restroom upgrades.