Our Mission:  We will bring pride to the Manchester community by taking the following actions:

•   Being responsive to community input 

•   Maintaining and protecting all existing Port facilities

•   Improving the ability to moor and launch boats

•   Meet demand for parking of vehicles and trailers for Port/Library facility users

•   Minimize environmental impact on Puget Sound by the facilities and users

•   Improve park facilities and reduce impact of stormwater discharge system

•   Expand accommodation of facilities for Educational and Cultural purposes

•   Stimulate economic development in the community and minimize tax burden

•   Be a good neighbor to all surrounding property owners
   

Check out the Port of Manchester profile
on HistoryLink.org!

Due to the limited facilities, overnight moorage and parking are prohibited.

Boat Launching Ramp Fees

Begins - April 1, 2010

Fee Schedule

$5.00 per day

$50.00 per year Annual Pass for residents “in” Port Taxing District*

$100.00 per year Annual Pass for “out” of Port District Users**

Obtain Annual Pass at Manchester Water District. Visit www.portofmanchester.com or call 360 871.0500, during business hours.

  *  Annual Pass per calendar year only (non-proratable)

**  Residence verified at time of purchase

Get Involved

Community involvement is the hallmark of the Port of Manchester.  In past years, the Port relied entirely on volunteer labor for most activities.  While professional services are contracted out today, volunteers are still a critical component of Port activities – together, we are Charting our Future in Manchester!

Changing How We Do Business

Historically, the Port has operated exclusively through property taxes.  The current levy is about 16¢ per $1,000 of assessed value ($48 per year on a $300,000 home).  Over time, the Port has been able to support Operations & Maintenance (O & M) expenses, as well as, over $2 million in community, boating, and recreational facilities through this base levy (+$95,000 year).  Unfortunately, O & M expenses and capital project costs rise every year, and the Port Commission has to look for ways to increase revenues to support community services. 

In 2009, the Port investigated ways to increase revenues, including annexing additional area, increasing its tax levy, and charging for services.  The Port also investigated forming a special taxing district and heard unequivocally from citizens that it should look to user fees before considering an increase in property taxes.  As a result, the Port Commission tasked the Port Advisory Committee (PAC) to review funding options.

The PAC determined that the most equitable method for funding O & M is to charge a launch fee at the boat ramp. The PAC’s analysis concluded that a modest ramp fee could help pay for about 50% of annual O & M expenses.  In addition, the PAC has found that over 75% of launch users live outside the taxing district and that all customers should help support activities.

NEW - Launch Ramp Fees Start April 1

Beginning in April 2010, the Port will charge a ramp fee for boat launches at its popular Main Street facility.  While launches have historically been free, the costs for garbage, janitorial, facility repairs, general maintenance, and new construction have continued to rise.  Users are now asked to help support these vital services when they launch by paying a $5.00 daily ramp fee or by purchasing an annual pass.  Annual passes are $50 per year for residents living “in” the Port taxing-district and $100 per year for “out” of district users.  Annual passes will not be prorated for partial year activities.  All monies go directly to support operations & maintenance.  

Port Advisory Committee

The Port formed the Port Advisory Committee in 2008.  It is comprised of community volunteers that provide a helping hand in Port activities.  The PAC is charged with formulating recommendations for policy and programs and with helping coordinate volunteer projects.  The PAC meets on the third Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Manchester Library meeting room and meetings are open to all interested parties.  Their mission is to provide extra eyes and ears for the community. Feel free to drop by to listen and participate.

New & Expanded Facilities

Public facilities include the boat launch, two piers, restroom, and waterfront park space.  In 2007, the Port extended the launch ramp to allow launching boats at zero tide levels. A 2008 survey revealed that park and launch users, businesses, and residents all pointed toward increased parking to relieve congestion as a priority issue. In response, new parking is

planned for summer of 2010. Thanks to a generous grant from the State of Washington Recreation and Conservation Office, the Port will receive 75% of the cost for adding new parking stalls that will nearly double capacity.  The Port has purchased an adjacent property for the expansion and design work is underway.   

Projects like these are vital to the community, however, it does take local funding.  Typically, grants have matching fund requirements and loans create debt service obligations. 

Click here for a printable flyer with all of this information.