2023 - 2028 Top Infrastructure Priorities

The list below includes the infrastructure projects that the City of Oak Harbor is focusing on between 2023 and 2028.

Marina Dredging & Improvements

Due to the natural currents, silt buildup is a continuing issue in the harbor.  If not completed, the marina will become unusable. Additional repairs from storm damage and general improvement to the marina infrastructure are needed. In order to improve the marine habitat, the Marina has plans to make changes to the Marina, including removing the covered boat stalls among other environmentally beneficial projects.  Considered by Senator Cantwell’s office, but was declined because the project is not on the Army Corps of Engineers list. 

Cost Estimate:

• $10 million for dredging (The City has secured $1 million from Island County)
• $35-40 million for other improvements (unfunded; The City has not sought State or Federal funds)

Timeline

Fiscal Years 2023 to 2028

Channel Dredging

The west channel into Oak Harbor Bay needs widening. This should be considered a federal waterway. Due to environmental factors, including storm surges, the channel has narrowed over time, which is a safety concern for commercial fishermen and other boaters. Initial conversations with the Army Corps have been difficult. 

Cost Estimate

$6 million (unfunded; The City has not sought State or Federal funds) 

Timeline 

Fiscal Years 2023 to 2025

Breakwater 

A breakwater protecting the Oak Harbor Marina is needed to improve the long-term viability of the Marina.  Also, need to work with Army Corps for a long term solution. 

Cost Estimate

$5 million (unfunded; The City has not sought State or Federal funds) 

Timeline

Fiscal Years 2023 to 2025

Navy/Department of Defense Support and Relations

Develop a mutual and beneficial partnership with the US Navy to advance shared goals and projects.   

Cost Estimate

Not Applicable

Timeline

Ongoing

Clean Water Facility Debt Forgiveness/Refinancing 

Debt forgiveness of the current Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) SRF loan, and extension of the remaining loan term from 20 to 30 years at a lower interest rate for the City's significant regional environmental investment in the Clean Water Facility (CWF). The current debt for the CWF is over $7 million per year, and the debt payments continue until 2046. This debt leads to a cost of over $1,000 per household per year. Maintenance, operations, and capital replacement costs are not included in these annual costs. 

Cost Estimate

$20 million (unfunded; requested state funds; Requesting refinancing options from Dept of Ecology)

Timeline

Fiscal Years 2024 to 2025          

Shoreline Restoration

Improvements to Oak Harbor’s shoreline are necessary to reduce erosion, guard against climate change, sea level rise and protect vital city infrastructure.  

Cost Estimate

$2 million (Applied for a Department of Ecology Shoreline Planning Competitive Grant in the amount of $249,700)

Timeline

Fiscal Years 2023 to 2026

Clean Water Facility Major Operation, Maintenance, and Equipment 

Funding is needed to repair major components of the wastewater treatment plant, which provides environmentally vital nutrient removal for the benefit of Puget Sound. 

Cost Estimate

$1 million (unfunded; The City has not sought State or Federal funds)

Timeline

Fiscal Years 2024 to 2025 

Public Safety Facility Renovation 

Oak Harbor no longer maintains an inmate housing facility (jail) and the current "night lobby" is no longer needed. The Police Department building is well over fifty years old and renovations are needed to provide a safer and more efficient public safety facility for the police department and community. 

Cost Estimate

$700,000 (unfunded; The City has not sought State or Federal funds)

Timeline

Fiscal Years 2025 to 2026

SR20 Multimodal Planning Study 

This study will assess and recommend multi-intersection corridor improvements needed in Oak Harbor along State Route 20.  An integrated plan that looks at multimodal system needs, in conjunction with adopted land use plans, is needed to support practical solutions to urban mobility in Oak Harbor. 

Cost Estimate

$300,000 (unfunded; The City has not sought State or Federal funds) 

Timeline

Fiscal Years 2023 to 2025

East Whidbey Avenue and SE Jerome Street - 
Vulnerable Communities Multimodal Business Accessibility Improvements

The City-owned Center provides a wide array of services to residents 50 years and older. Multiple agencies operate out of the Center, and a number of other agencies, including the community pool are adjacent to the Center and share easements and parking. This project would renovate and reconfigure this highly trafficked area,  building pedestrian access, providing ADA-accessible parking, and improving safety for pedestrians and motorists. 

Cost Estimate

$450,000 (unfunded; The City has not sought State or Federal funds)

Timeline

Fiscal Years 2024 to 2025 

ARPA Update 

The City used ARPA dollars for public safety in 2022. Fund balance savings are being used for Council Priority Projects.