PORT TOWNSEND — It may have been rainy and cold, but foul weather did not dampen the spirits of residents, guests and guest speakers Satirdau as the new Northwest Maritime Center dock was officially opened.
“This is a long-awaited day,” said Dave Robison, Maritime Center director.
“It speaks volumes about the proof of commitment from the community. . . . Over 1,500 donors have gotten to this point today.”
Despite the weather, several hundred people crowded into the Centrum tent set up on the former Thomas Oil grounds at the end of Water Street for the ceremony which included remarks by Rep. Norm Dicks and board member Jim Whittaker.
Outside, the new dock stretched 290 feet out over the water, a $1.5 million pier designed to provide educational opportunities for youth on the water.
“People ask me when are we going to build the NWMC,” Robison said.
“With the dock, we have the Maritime Center. But today the realization came to me that we really do need some buildings.”
Possible grant
In a brief speech, Rep. Dicks alluded to possible financial support through an Economic Development Initiative grant administered by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I put in a request for a grant for $750,000,” Dicks said.
“I’m very confident my colleagues will go along with my request.”
