Gig Harbor's long-awaited Commercial Fishing Homeport continues to move toward construction, with city officials refining operating plans even as updated cost estimates show the project may exceed earlier projections.
The City of Gig Harbor told the City Council on July 16 that the homeport, planned for Ancich Waterfront Park, could cost as much as $5.2 million, up from a previous estimate of $3.4 million, according to Gig Harbor Now. Officials said the increase reflects updated permit requirements, mitigation costs and rising construction expenses since late 2023.
The latest update comes about a month after the project cleared a major regulatory milestone. As National Fisherman previously reported, a city hearing examiner approved the shoreline permit in June, describing the decision as straightforward after determining the project met its environmental mitigation requirements. Hearing examiner Mark Scheibmeir called it "an exciting moment for the city," while project manager Drew McDonald said federal reviewers, including NOAA, concluded the project would have "no long-term impact that can't be offset by this credit purchase overall."
First proposed after the city acquired the waterfront property in 2012, the Commercial Fishing Homeport is designed to provide dedicated moorage for up to 17 commercial fishing vessels measuring roughly 60 to 70 feet. The project also includes removal of the aging Jerkovich Pier, which contains creosote and other environmental concerns. The Gig Harbor Commercial Fishermen's Club has contributed $200,000 toward the project, with an additional $150,000 provided by the Port of Tacoma.
Public Works Director Jeff Langhelm told council that the current cost estimate represents a worst-case scenario because the consultant included significant contingency in the construction budget. He said he would be surprised if bids reached the upper estimate, noting the city's track record of completing public works projects below budget.
The city has not yet received construction bids but expects to bring a contract award before the City Council on Aug. 10. Officials said they will finalize a funding strategy after reviewing actual bid prices.
City staff also proposed a monthly moorage rate of $10 per square foot of vessel length, which they estimate would generate about $121,000 annually while remaining competitive with comparable facilities. Annual operating and maintenance costs are projected at just over $54,000.
Under the proposed regulations, the dock would initially be reserved for commercial fishing vessels only, with no transient moorage. Staff said the restriction reflects the project's current permits and concerns raised by neighboring property owners. The facility would remain open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily as both a working waterfront and an educational destination.
If the project stays on schedule, contractors are expected to complete in-water construction by Feb. 15, 2027, before Washington's seasonal fish window closes.
