In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the pressing need for a $4.5 million dredging project at the marina, which is crucial for maintaining navigable waters and preventing further deterioration of the facility. The funding for this project is expected to come from the marina fund, but concerns were raised about the feasibility of securing additional funding for other necessary improvements.

The capital improvement plan, which is updated annually, will be adopted by the city council this fall or early winter. This plan includes several significant projects for the marina, such as a $11.7 million dredging and mitigation project, a $7.5 million breakwater replacement, and $5.3 million for channel dredging. However, many of these projects are currently unfunded, and officials expressed skepticism about their viability.

Moffat and Nichols, the engineering firm involved, has advised focusing solely on dredging to avoid depleting funds on less critical projects. The urgency of the dredging project was emphasized, with officials warning that without it, boats could be left stranded during low tides, leading to a potential decline in marina usage and significant financial repercussions for the city.

Discussions also touched on the challenges of securing grants, with officials noting that many funding opportunities are geared towards port districts rather than marinas. The city has been actively pursuing federal funding, but the process is lengthy and uncertain.

As the city prepares for upcoming budget discussions, officials are grappling with the reality of limited financial resources and the need for a strategic approach to prioritize marina improvements. The outcome of these discussions will be critical in determining the future of the marina and its ability to serve the community effectively.