A dock that has served North Whidbey residents and visitors for 100 years may finally get much-needed repairs, though the project will cost more than originally envisioned.

During a recent workshop meeting, Island County commissioners agreed to amend the capital improvement plan budget to accommodate the increased cost of design work on a project to replace the decking, pilings and floats on the Cornet Bay Dock.

Fred Snoderly, assistant director of Public Works, explained that the amendment would add $270,000 to the budget for a total of $400,000. The cost increase is due to inflation, a new permitting rule and the deteriorating condition of the dock.

The project is funded with the “second quarter percent” real estate excise tax fund, or REET 2. State law describes how the funds may be used, which includes maintenance projects.

Snoderly said the estimate for the construction work, currently at $1.475 million, is likely too low and will need to be increased.

The conditional use permit application for the project states that the dock “has for over 100 years benefitted residents and non-residents alike and provided access to Deception Pass and beyond.” The county has owned it since 1930.

Cornet Bay also has a commercial dock and a rebuilt pier owned by the Washington State Parks.

Snoderly explained that a 2017 study showed that the dock was “in need to some desperate repairs.” He said the original plan was to do the work over three years, but staff has decided it makes more sense to just do all the work at once.

The rebuilt dock will be more environmentally friendly, Snoderly said. Creosote pilings will be removed and replaced. Under a new state requirement, the rebuilt dock won’t be able to sit on the sea bed but will need to stay 12 inches above, even at low tide. The rules allows for the growth of vital sea grasses. In addition, the new decking will allow light through.

Public works reported that the current dock is inadequate because of its “construction of rubber tires and styrofoam, which are no longer viable.”

Commissioner Janet St. Clair said the dock is important for both recreational and commercial fishermen. In addition, it’s important for public safety as a dock for rescue boats to serve the area.

The project has been put off for a long time. Commissioner Jill Johnson said it’s been on the books for at least 11 years.

Early this year, the commissioners discussed the project during a conversation about priorities for federal funding. The commissioners were asked to pick one project to ask the federal government to fund. The Cornet Bay dock was on the short list, but commissioners decided that a new trash compactor was more urgent.