EDA Awards $6.2 Million Grant for Westport Marina Float 21 Modernization

Press Release: 

August 19, 2026 

Contact:  Kayla Dunlap, Director of Government & Public Affairs 

kdunlap@portgrays.org or 360-533-9590 

For Immediate Release

WESTPORT, WASH.  –   The United States Economic Development Administration (EDA), a bureau of the United States Department of Commerce, has awarded the Port of Grays Harbor a $6.2 million grant for the replacement of Westport Marina Float 21.  The grant will be matched by $2.6 million in non-federal funds. 

 Following the federal disaster declaration for the winter of 2024, the 2025 EDA disaster supplemental funding is a discretionary grant program administered by the EDA to not only help communities recover from natural disasters, but to also improve communities’ economic outcomes and put them on a path to exceed their previous pre-disaster economic conditions.  

 The Westport Marina is the number one seafood landing port in the State of Washington and currently ranks number ten in the nation for both volume and value of seafood landed.  With the floating dock infrastructure ranging from 45-60 years old, the port embarked on the Marina Modernization Plan in 2022 to replace, rehabilitate and reconfigure the Westport Marina docks through a multifaceted, phased approach.  After critical planning and preparation, the port is now equipped to construct the first new commercial dock in Westport in nearly 50 years.  

 Following the removal of Floats 19 and 21, the project will construct wider and longer slips to meet the needs of the growing commercial fishing fleet at the Westport Marina. Extending from a 495-lineal-foot main float, the new configuration will include fifteen 55-foot slips, six 90-foot slips, one 100-foot slip, and a 154-foot end tie, accommodating the larger vessels that deliver seafood to Westport.  The project also includes installation of new 16-inch and 24-inch steel piles, an entrance abutment, an 80-foot by 5-foot gangway, and a full suite of utilities. These upgrades including robust electrical service, potable water, lighting, and fire suppression will provide a modern facility for the fleet while improving safety and reducing environmental impacts on the harbor. 

 With the project fully permitted and a complete funding package in place, port staff are eager to move the project forward to construction. 

“We are incredibly grateful to the EDA for this funding opportunity to kick-off the modernization of the Marina’s floating dock infrastructure that supports hundreds of jobs and a diverse working waterfront,” stated Port of Grays Harbor Commission President Stan Pinnick.  “As a rural port district faced with limited funding resources for marinas, we must leverage all funding opportunities, but we are confident this project will be a prudent use of federal dollars as it directly benefits our commercial, tribal and recreational fishermen that rely on the marina’s infrastructure for their livelihoods”.  

“This project is a significant win for the commercial fishing industry,” shared Westport Marina General Manager Molly Bold.  “As more vessels call on Westport, the need for modern, reliable moorage has never been greater. Investing in robust infrastructure supports the fleet that delivers the seafood our community is known for. This project is a critical first step for Westport Marina Modernization”.    

Founded in 1911, the Port of Grays Harbor is one of Washington State’s oldest port districts and Washington’s only deep-water port located directly on the Pacific Ocean.  The Port of Grays Harbor operates 4 deep-water marine terminals, the Westport Marina, Bowerman Airport, Grays Harbor ship assist services, numerous public waterfront access facilities, in addition to industrial and business parks throughout the County.  The addition of Satsop Business Park increased the Port’s properties to more than 1,000 acres of industrial properties and an additional 1,200 acres of sustainably managed forestland.   Strategically located midway between Seattle and Portland and less than 1 ½ hours from open sea, the Port of Grays Harbor provides businesses a diverse portfolio of facilities. More information on the Port of Grays Harbor’s facilities and operations is available at portofgraysharbor.com or satsop.com.