PORT TOWNSEND — Port of Port Townsend commissioners voted unanimously to implement moorage rate hikes this spring to help pay for a long list of capital projects.

The three commissioners approved the rate hikes Wednesday and plan to implement the new rates starting April 1.

Rates will increase by 10 percent to 16 percent, varying upon the size of the boat. Boat owners moored in Boat Haven, Point Hudson and Herb Beck marinas will see anywhere from a $27 to $43 increase per month — up to $61 per month for larger vessels.

The port introduced the rate hike proposal Jan. 25 and held a public workshop Feb. 1.

Both meetings drew lots of public comment, many expressing concern that the rates were too expensive and made moorage inaccessible for the citizens of Jefferson County.

Executive Director Sam Gibboney said increases are needed to begin making progress on $16 million worth of capital projects, $12 million on the marinas alone.

The port already accounted for revenue from the increased rates in its 2017 budget, which was approved by commissioners in December.

The rate increases will pay for some of the $1,691,000 in capital projects the port has budgeted for 2017.

Rate hike revenues will go specifically toward improvements to the marinas and boat launches in Port Townsend and Quilcene.

For 2017, those projects are $1,060,000 for improvements to the Boat Haven stormwater and lift station; $50,000 for engineering, designing and obtaining permits for a reconstruction of Point Hudson’s south jetty; $25,000 in engineering and permitting for Boat Haven shoreline stabilization; $114,000 on renovations on the Boat Haven bathrooms; $110,000 on new ventilation for the Point Hudson administration building; and $85,000 on water and electrical meters on the Boat Haven docks.

The port also plans to begin engineering a new runway for Jefferson County International Airport this year for $125,o00; renovate the Commercial Basin bathrooms for $36,000; improve parking and pay stations for $63,000; and has $23,000 budgeted for equipment.

According to the port’s 2017-20 capital budget, the 2017 projects will be paid through unreserved cash, Boat Haven reserves, grants and a revenue bond.

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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.