A Message From Your Port

Port Awarded Funding for Historic Properties

Progress Towards Restoring Our Landmarks

The Port of Coupeville learned it has received funding for three grants it submitted this spring to Island County for Rural Economic Development projects. The funding, valued at nearly $75,000, will be used to restore the pond at Greenbank Farm and for critical repairs to the roofs at the Coupeville Wharf and the Greenbank Farm main barn. The barn and wharf building are  more than one hundred years old, and are iconic landmarks in Island County.

The Port will be required to provide ten percent in matching funds to complete the projects. The restoration of the Greenbank Farm Pond received funding of $46,000 and was the Port’s highest priority project. Two to four feet of bird waste and other organic sediment has accumulated in the bottom of the pond over the past decade.  The accumulation is clogging intake pipes for the fire suppression system that protects the farm’s main barn, a structure listed on the Historic Barn registry for Washington State. The pond is also a valuable source of fresh water for the farm’s fields and garden projects.

Two other projects will focus on completing essential repairs to the roofs of the Coupeville Wharf and the main barn at Greenbank Farm. The barn is one of Whidbey’s most popular  venues, hosting 30 or more events during the year. However, the aged roof is leaking, with more than 20 entry points for water, making it unusable in inclement weather and contributing to interior damage. The Wharf roof, also deteriorated, has collapsed in one section and must be stabilized to prevent further collapse. Project funding for the barn roof was awarded at $18,000 and the wharf roof at $10,000.

The Port is prepared to begin work on the projects this fall. “We are very grateful to the County for understanding the importance of our work to maintain and restore these beloved structures,” said Chris Michalopoulos, the Port’s executive director. “This funding will allow us to keep the buildings working, and serving our communities.” Read more about the grants at www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/oak-harbor-coupeville-port-get-09-funds-for-projects/.