Port of Coupeville commissioners, this letter asks the commission to financially assist the Town of Coupeville in the repair and improvements of the Coupeville Town Park boat launch facility, on 9th Street.

The current launch ramp and float layout has occasioned winter storm damage and high routine maintenance costs to the town these past several years. The town has contracted for an engineering investigation to develop a new ramp/float and breakwater arrangement. This writer understands the redevelopment construction costs will be approximately $90,000.

It appears this would be an ideal situation for the port to contribute to the cost of the Town’s redevelopment costs. The port’s charter delineates development in support of maritime occupations to be its first priority. Accordingly, it is hoped the port will contribute $50,000 to assist the redevelopment.

The Coupeville boat launch is most popular because of its location, and there is no petty fee for boat launching. This neighbor of the boat launch has friends and casual acquaintances parking their boat trailers in our pasture while they’re cruising or fishing for a few days. These many out-of-town users buy fuel from the port, groceries, meals and occasional lodging in the town. This redevelopment will occasion a real economic development in the Port of Coupeville.

James P. (Jim) Cavanaugh

Coupeville