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1. Do we need a new marina?

Yes. The port operates two marinas, which are essentially full and have a waiting list of more than 170 boats. More than 70 percent of the port’s moorage customers are from Whatcom County, and it is projected the port will need an additional 683 slips by the year 2015 to meet the growing demand for boat space.

2. Did the port look at using the wastewater treatment lagoon for anything else?

Yes. The port looked at many ways to reuse the lagoon, including as a park, for commercial use, as a stormwater treatment facility, and for aquaculture.

3. Why build a new marina that only benefits 350-450 boat owners?

Bellingham is a boating community with over 90 businesses countywide supporting the maritime industry and providing valuable local jobs. Building a new marina will help revitalize the waterfront and serve as an economic driver for the redevelopment of New Whatcom.

Extensive public parks and trails are planned around the outside of the marina, which will provide the community with over a mile of new waterfront access. Additionally, building a marina will create nearly 28 acres of new marine habitats for endangered salmon and other wildlife.

4. Did the port look at other places on the waterfront to build a new marina?

Yes. In 2004, the port looked at six locations in Bellingham Bay for building a new marina - from Fairhaven to Little Squalicum. The port evaluated construction costs, how many boats each site could hold, habitat and environmental impacts, the ease of access from land, the ability to obtain the required permits, and many other factors.

The lagoon is the best location for a new marina for just about every reason. Perhaps the best reason is that the breakwater is already built so important salmon habitats will not be damaged by building a new breakwater. Restoring the lagoon to a functioning part of Bellingham Bay will actually create over 28 acres of new salmon habitats!

5. Has a decision been made to build the new marina?

Yes. After a series of public meetings in 2004, the Port Commission passed a resolution to condemn the lagoon for use as a marina.

6. Will fees increase for moorage customers at the port's existing marinas to pay for the new marina?

There will be an increase in moorage rates for the port’s boating customers; however, our rates are projected to remain below the statewide average.

7. I have a boat and need moorage. Can I get on the waiting list for the new downtown marina?

There will not be a waiting list for the new downtown marina until about a year before it opens. However, there is a wait list available for the port's current marinas for all slip sizes. A $50 non-refundable wait list application is required. Wait times vary. Applications and moorage information are available at the Squalicum Harbor office, which can be contacted at (360) 676-2542.

8. When will the marina be built?

The marina is estimated to be completed within the next 10 years.