T-Dock Reconfiguration Project groundbreaking

January 16, 2026 | News

Port kicks off T Dock Reconfiguration Project with habitat enhancement 

The Port of Anacortes has officially begun work on the long-awaited T Dock Reconfiguration project, starting with environmental mitigation in the marina. As the first step in modernizing the publicly accessible dock, the Port installed large woody debris (LWD) in the northeast marina basin to meet required mitigation for T Dock. This work offsets the increased size of the new dock while delivering immediate habitat benefits directly in Port waters. 

Eighteen LWD structures—logs up to 20 feet long—were installed to add complexity and shelter for aquatic life. Sourced from Whatcom County and carefully anchored in place, the logs mimic conditions once common along Salish Sea beaches: fallen trees that create natural complexity in the marine environment while enhancing shoreline stability. Juvenile salmonids and forage fish can find refuge from predators among the logs, while barnacles, mussels, and algae grow on the wood surfaces, creating a rich ecosystem that supports the food web upon which our commercial fisheries depend. 

By completing mitigation on-site and ahead of the project construction, the Port is able to deliver ecosystem benefits locally and at a lower cost than alternative approaches. 

“In addition to providing on-site ecological benefits, this approach costs less than the alternative of purchasing ‘conservation credits’ that would go to fund a future, off-site project,” said Planning, Projects, and Environmental Manager Kevin Anderson. “This is a tangible reminder of the Port’s investment in developing marina infrastructure that supports our commercial fisheries and maritime trades.” 

By mitigating locally on Port property, this approach preserves habitat where it is needed most and supports keystone species like salmon, all while making our working waterfront more productive and efficient for commercial fishers.  

About T Dock 

The Port owns and operates T Dock, which was built in 1977. As the only facility of its kind on Fidalgo Island, T Dock is central to Anacortes’ maritime economy. It supports 80% of the seafood landings in Anacortes, six local tribes, dozens of direct jobs, and $14 million in annual economic benefits. An engineering study showed that, despite consistent maintenance, the heavily used dock is nearing the end of its useful life. At almost 50 years old, it can now only support two-thirds of its original load capacity.  

In March 2022, The Port Commission approved the replacement of T Dock. The new proposed dock will be 14,250 square feet – more than twice the square footage of the current dock. 

In November 2024, the Port was awarded a $7.4 million grant from the MARAD 2024 Port Infrastructure Development Program to support the project. 

As a cornerstone of our local maritime economy, this investment will ensure T dock continues to serve the community and region for years to come.