Efforts to restore the Coupeville Wharf are progressing, with the Port of Coupeville recently approving $16,000 in Port reserve funding to kick off the first phase of restoration efforts, which will focus on fixing deteriorated pier pilings and caps.

The reserve funds will be used to hire a permitting specialist and begin permit applications for restoration of the historic landmark.

“The complete restoration of the Coupeville Wharf is our board’s highest priority,” said Chris Michalopoulos, executive director of the Port of Coupeville, in a prepared statement. “The board decision was made unanimously, and marks an important first step in getting this critical project underway.”

The Port estimates phase one of repairs will take up to two years and cost nearly $1 million, funded by grants, donations and reserve funds. The Port has requested $870,804 from Island County’s Rural County Economic Development Fund, but has yet to receive an answer as to whether the Port will receive the funds.

The Port of Coupeville hired an engineering company in 2015 to assess the wharf foundation, which was found to be in “fair to good” condition with areas of severe deterioration.

In 2019, an assessment from engineering firm Swenson, Say, Faget found the wharf to be in “fair to poor” condition and recommended repairs be done to the pier foundation to prevent further building destabilization.

The second phase will begin once pier repairs are completed, and phase two will include repairs to the wharf building and overall upgrades to the wharf to increase public use.