Image above taken earlier this winter.
Today, beach walkers moving toward the water from the parking area at Damon Point are channeled to a choice between an eroded/unsafe former road drop-off and private property that is posted, telling walkers that they are not welcome. WTF?
KOSW, this morning discussed some erosion issues at Damon Point.
I will try to find a link with the interview to post later.
Here is the link – listen here.
It looks like there is not a sense of urgency about maintaining public access for beach walkers at Damon Point.
Damon Point was once a state park. Why is it no longer a state park?
Is there an attitude related to climate change/sea level rise that is used as an excuse to back away from maintaining the shore?
Making repairs at Keystone Harbor:
February 17, 2023 Whidbey News-Times
Keystone Boat Launch construction underway
After more than four years, the Keystone Boat Launch at Fort Casey State Park will be functional.
“The public boat ramp near the Coupeville ferry terminal suffered severe damage in December of 2018 when storm winds rammed a breakwater structure into the floating docks. Chris Holm, a state parks division manager and former area manager for Central Whidbey state parks, said the park obtained FEMA funding for both the design and construction phases of the repair project.”
Oct. 9, 2020 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters Website
About the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
“One of the Seattle District’s primary missions is to maintain the navigation channels and harbors in the Pacific Northwest. Maintenance and navigation dredging is done frequently in harbor areas, ports and marinas. A significant component of Washington’s economy depends on navigation and commerce, which in turn depends on dredging navigation channels.”
$6.3 million in federal cash for a used hotel.
Any questions from newspeople?
December 8, 2022 The Daily World
Dept. of Ag invests $6.3M to purchase Ocean Shores hotel
$6.3 million “to fund the acquisition of an existing hotel. Marathon Enterprises Inc. is located in Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County, Washington. The project is expected to result in saving eight jobs and creating one full time job.”
Love to see newspeople ask: Is there any shortage of lodging facilities in this community?
A better idea for local federal funding:
Get the ferry to Westport going again:
“Sadly, the ferry service shut down in 2008, but not due to lack of popularity. While the ferry service had seen closures in previous years, the service would always pick back up and be celebrated by residents and visitors alike. Sadly, after too much sand and silt built up around the Ocean Shores marina, the El Matador was forced to cancel trips across the harbor. What was once a family-friendly boating experience and adventure across the harbor is now relegated to fond memories.”
Rehab of the marina would attract sport fishermen for launching and mooring of boats. Set up a place for fish and chips, a pub with a view, bait and tackle/boating store, a cocktail lounge, restaurant, etc. Use some imagination and get it going.
Work on access to the beach at Damon Point too.
Damon Point
People familiar with this location know that public access is more tricky now than it was 18 months ago.
Besides federal funding, go with cooperative efforts, negotiations with the tribe and creative thinking here. City leaders, volunteer work parties, local businesses who may donate trucks and materials, landscaping resources, etc. Offer to create some sort of access trail with a fence, plantings, trash cans, etc. Make an offer to the tribe that can help to improve the situation.
The marina facility has potential. Any federal grant money for ports and coastal improvement?
Maybe these efforts are already in the works. Thanks to those who may be involved.
Related:
Federal Cash For The Coast – 98569