PORT ANGELES — A disagreement over wetlands is delaying construction of a sprint boat race track near William R. Fairchild International Airport.

Dan Morrison — owner of Morrison Excavating, and one of the four investors who purchased the 113-acre South Fairchild Industrial Park in August 2008 for $1.05 million from the Port of Port Angeles more than one year ago — said he is still waiting to receive approval from the Army Corps of Engineers to build the proposed 4-acre course.

The permitting process has been delayed because the investors, known as the Dan Morrison Group, and the federal agency disagree over how large the wetlands on the property are, he said.

‘Back and forth’

“We’ve been back and forth a dozen times this year,” Morrison said.

He said he will meet with representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers sometime this week to discuss the issue.

The size of the wetlands could restrict where the course, as well as parking and seating areas can be built, Morrison said.

The race course would be 3 feet deep and 15 feet wide, and filled with 500,000 to 750,000 gallons of water.

The property has three wells, but water may be trucked in for the eventual course until the investors acquire another permit to extract the water for the course.

Necessary permits

Morrison said that he could receive all the necessary permits from the city within two months after getting Army Corps approval.

Construction would begin immediately after the permits are in place, he said.

Morrison said the course would host two races a year as part of the U.S. Sprint Boat Association circuit.

No races could be held until the 2010 season begins in April.

At least 5,000 people are expected to attend each race, Morrison said, which would equate to at least $500,000 being injected into the local economy each race.

Sprint boat racing is a growing sport nationwide.

The races involve small, 2-person manned power boats that can make quick turns and reach 80 mph.

Morrison said he took a second place during this year’s sprint boat association circuit.

The investors have 22 acres of the property up for sale.

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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.