Grant will improve access at Port of Seattle's Shilshole Bay Marina

Improved public access and a better launch site for kayaks and small boats at Shilshole Bay Marina's North End Sailing Center are just two of the elements funded by a $290,000 grant from the State of Washington's Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation.

Wider docks, dry moorage and a public walkway to provide waterside access also will be included.

The improvements will be part of the Port's $80 million renovation of Shilshole Bay Marina.

"The grant will help us ensure that Shilshole remains the region's premier sailing center and improve public access to the waterfront," said Port of Seattle Commission President Bob Edwards. "It should make Shilshole a more exciting and enjoyable place."

The Port began construction this summer on a renovation of the marina, including rebuilding docks and buildings on the uplands. Rebuilding the North End Sailing Center is part of the project. The state grant will allow the Port to add public access in an area in which it did not previously exist.

A low freeboard floating dock will make it safer and easier to launch kayaks, canoes and dinghies. The surface of the float will be just six inches above the water. Three overhead hoists will be added to launch small sailboats and other hand-trailered vessels.

The grant comes from the Interagency Committee's Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account. The account provides support for projects that that improve, protect and provide access to aquatic lands. It is funded by revenue generated from leases of state owned aquatic lands and the sale of harvest rights for geoduck clams.