What is the one-acre lease agreement? In the 1990s, WSF entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the City of Bainbridge Island to lease approximately a one-acre parcel on Eagle Harbor for a period of 20 years. Uses of this property must meet the requirements of commercial and industrial marine related uses as stated in the MOA, such as a boatyard. WSF is committed to working with the City and community to identify uses for this property through the planning process.
Project Facts
- Extends facility life by 30 years.
- Improves safety and efficiency of WSF operations
- Improves yard physical appearance
August 2007
Conversion of slip B from a walk-on slip to a drive-on slip is complete. The ability to drive vehicles aboard vessels allows for easier, more efficient maintenance. Design of the maintenance building remodel to address structural, seismic and functional needs is underway.
Why is WSDOT
improving the existing Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility?
The Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility serves as the "hub" for all Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessel and terminal maintenance, serving the largest ferry system in the United States. The site employs over 100 skilled laborers and crafts persons representing eight different trades. The facility is old and deteriorated, needing major repairs and modernizing.
In 2001, WSF conducted a study to assess the long-term needs of the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility. The study concluded that the facility needs major maintenance in order to continue to function effectively. The Legislature sponsored a study to examine whether there were any potential benefits to relocating the maintenance facility, before proceeding with upgrades at the current site. Upon further analysis and study, it was determined for operational efficiency and cost effectiveness that the maintenance facility should remain at the existing location and rehabilitation should proceed.
The End Result
The completed projects will allow the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility to function effectively over the next 30 years and keep WSF terminals and vessels operating safe and reliably.
Project Benefits
Increase operating efficiencies. Added 30 years to the life of the maintenance facility. Enable the facility to support WSF's 28 vessels and 19 terminals into the future.
Safety. Improve structural and fire safety and allow for uninterrupted maintenance services.
Improved Environment. Removal of 49,600 board feet of creosote piling once Projects 1 and 2 are complete. Primary maintenance slip (Slip B) moved into deeper water as part of Project 1 to minimize impact to shallow marine environment.
Aesthetics. The physical appearance of the yard will be improved.
What is the project timeline?
The preservation and improvement of the maintenance facility is composed of three separate projects. The planned projects at Eagle Harbor are delayed, pending the outcome of the City of Bainbridge Island's challenge to WSF's SEPA determination.
PROJECT 1
This project converted a walk-on slip to a drive-on slip to provide for vehicle access to expedite the maintenance of vessels. This project was completed in 2006 for $7 million.
PROJECT 2
This project is two-fold: 1) Repair of the dock facilities and Slip E to make structurally sound. This includes replacement of rotted piles and support beams. 2) Rehabilitation of existing maintenance building to address structural, seismic, and functional needs.
PROJECT 3 - unfunded
This project is also two-fold: 1) Renovating and expanding shore gang building. 2) Full build-out, which includes construction of a permanent storeroom and training facility. This also includes relocating exterior storage into the interior of the Annex.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. A Community Design Roundtable was formed to help WSF develop designs that are compatible with the community character, reflect the site's maritime history, and balance a variety of interests while meeting WSF's functional requirements and financial constraints. This group is "on hold" pending the outcome of the City of Bainbridge Island's challenge to WSF's SEPA determination.
Please contact Joy Goldenberg, WSF Customer and Community Relations, at 206-515-3411 for more information.
Environmental Protection
The project will reduce scour by placing a slip in deeper water while renovation and new facility designs will minimize impacts to the environment. The project will also improve storage facilities for hazardous wastes, improve noise controls and remove 49,600 board feet of creosote piling from Eagle Harbor.
Please visit the
WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Repairing the aging facility improves the structural integrity thereby improving safety of users. Traffic conflicts at Harborview Drive and Olympic Drive will be coordinated with the Bainbridge Ferry Terminal Improvement Project and addressed as part of this project.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
For more information visit our WSDOT Tribal Liaison website.
Financial Information
The 2007 Legislature funded Project 2 at $18,399,000 for 2007-2009, and $5,900,000 for 2009-2011.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Joy Goldenberg
WSF Customer & Community Relations
2901 3rd Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
Phone: 206.515.3411
Email: bainbridgeprojects@wsdot.wa.gov
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