12/27/2005: "Wood Boat Center ($2 Million?) Dead In The Water"

At the last BOCC meeting, Commissioner Ranker informed the Board that the funding of "$300 to $500,000 from the state for a wood boat center is on hold at this point, for reasons we don't need to get into at this time". Ranker told the Board that there are major projects in the state that need a funding source, and "I don't think it wise to push this forward at this time. I am now envisioning a much broader program, and I will continue to move forward on this broader program"..

Prior to the bad news on the lack of funding, the local Economic Development Center (EDC), had asked Orcas resident Steve Garrison to take the leadership on preparing a grant proposal to submit to the office of the Govenor to apply for the money. Garrison and Jeff Bossler formed groups on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez to produce a proposal to present to the Governor's office that they hoped would "lock in" the grant money, but it was found that as a result of a combination of miscommunications at the State level, and the need of the Budget Office to fund other grant requests, the anticipated $500,000 was not inserted in the Capital Budget Proposal the Governor was required to present to the Legislature by the 20th of December.

In any case, both Ranker and Garrison concurred that $500,000 for a wood boat center "should not have taken this level of priority" if critical infrastructure projects in the state would have lost necessary funding. With respect to Ranker's goal that he is now working toward a broader program for the County, Commissioner Myhr told Ranker that "We need to see something in writing that explains what your doing", Ranker said he could get him some data on the subject, to which Myhr responded that "We need something in writing, so we can look at it.".

What Commissioner Ranker did not discuss at the Board meeting, was a general provision that the type of grant being applied for " generally are ones in which the requested state funds:…are a small portion of the total project funding (25% or less", so that had the County received the grant, it was historically likely that the County would be required to raise 1.5 million in cash, or equivalent (e.g., donated materials or labor), as a condition of the grant funding, and that the money could only be used to construct a building. There would be no money to put anything in the building, and no money for ongoing maintenance and operation.

According to Garrison, it was "not the preference of the various marine groups" in the county that "that amount of money be used for a single use facility on one island".

At the end of a "History of the ‘Wood Boat Facility' Grant Proposal" sent to those involved in the grant request, Garrison stated the conclusions he had drawn thus far from the grant funding process:

Conclusions

In retrospect, we are probably fortunate that we were not able to cobble together some sort of proposal, since the objectives of the groups varied widely, and obtaining a grant which required the donation of $1.5 million in bricks, mortar, land or its equivalent from the community in order to receive $.5 million in funding for a single use facility on one island was clearly not the preference of the various marine groups.

Despite the one week flap, a great deal of good has come from this activity

• We have identified a group of activists on all three of the major islands.

• These groups represent are involved in a variety of marine activates including the management of port facilities, marinas, boat yards, marine environmental and education issues, wood boat tradition and preservation groups and sailing clubs.

• As a general conclusion, it appeared that there were more consensuses for organization, renovation of current facilities, modernization, marine boat and environmental education, marine collections, and advertising and supporting gatherings of like minded professionals and amateurs here in San Juan County than there was for yet more bricks and mortar.

Summary of Discussions

Orcas Island

• The Wooden Boat Foundation of the San Juans (WBFSJ) already exists, and is a 501 c (3) countywide entity with the mission to perpetuate the craftsmanship, artistry and knowledge of maritime traditions through education, public display and entertainment.

• The San Juan County Marine Resource System (SJCMRS) should be created to renovate and equip existing leased or owned infrastructure to establish a countywide economic growth by parlaying our existing tourist based economy into a regional year-around economy by utilizing, promoting and cultivating existing skills, knowledge and trades in the area of marine resources through educational programs for tourist, local school districts and craftsman and other interested persons.

• The SJCMRS should renovate and make the necessary improvements to and equip existing leased structures from a permitted boatyards on Orcas Island, Lopez Island and San Juan Island. These facilities would then be utilized to teach workshops, hold meetings, as an office space for the SJCMRS.

• The SJCMRS should use existing facilities in permitted boatyards to create an environment that has opportunities from building and restoring boats to marine biology and environmental studies.

• As the SJCMRS grows each facility will develop a specialty based on the skills and interest of the local talents thereby creating a sustainable economic development and growth.

• By renovating and using existing unused or under- utilitized infrastructure the public reaps an immediate benefit from the SJCMRS because no new impermeable surfaces, sewers, drainages, roads, boat ramps or utility access are created.

• SJCMRS will benefit our small school districts that struggle to support a vocational programs by providing educational opportunities, internships and apprenticeships in marine resources. Students will benefit by learning skills that will assist them through life. Local craftsman, artisans, skilled workers and educators will benefit by the opportunity to both teach and take educational programs.

• Local businesses will benefit by providing facilities and by the off-peak season revenues generated by non-locals attending programs who will stay at the normally near-empty B&B's, Inns and Resorts, as well as eat at local restaurants and shop at local stores.

• The public at large will benefit by having the opportunity to explore marine history, trades, and environments by touring facilities, attending classes or workshops, exploring displays and environments or renting classic or wooden boats to more closely experience San Juan County waters.

San Juan Island

• Multiple-Island Cooperation Desirable A coordinated effort that resulted in a multiple-island resource would have many advantages. The project would a). Serve a larger market; b). Enjoy differentiation from similar projects (e.g. Port Townsend & Lake Union), and c). Potentially attract more local "matching resources" in various forms. Wild examples: We discussed a barge-based Wooden Boat School (with perhaps a classic tug) moving between different island venues. Peter Fromme's mobile gallery idea might catch on. Our islands could boast a changing smorgasbord of movable water-based attractions (think Sausalito with shopping).

• External Partnerships Possible Consider using the resources of "Wooden Boat" magazine or the Wooden Boat Centers at Port Townsend or Lake Union.

• Cannery or Jackson Beach Tie-in Desirable We talked about various (so-far-inconclusive) discussions and studies for uses of the old cannery and the Port's Jackson Beach property. A Wooden Boat Center would be an attractive part of a more broadly-defined development involving either or both.

• Leading Entity Essential We talked about possible strategic fits with The Sailing Foundation, the Historical Museum and the Port of Friday Harbor--whose participation is likely in the longer term--but none of which was in a position to lead the effort in the current short time frame. Other local partners might include The Whale Museum and Island Rec. We agreed that nothing good could be expected to happen absent the passionate (life-absorbing) commitment of some person or group.

Lopez Island

• Organizational status: create a department within the Lopez Port Commission; create a new 501c3 non-profit; organization overseen by a board of directors and managed by director; paid full-time faculty and part-time instructors

• Mission: to build and nurture a vibrant maritime community in the San Juan Islands by offering rigorous vocational education opportunities in the marine construction trades, and public access to boats, water sports and our rich maritime history.

• Economic benefits: year-round high-skill employment for local shipwrights and carpenters; part-time employment for local craftspeople, sailing instructors and trip leaders; job training for individuals entering the marine trades; positive skill and character development for local youth; influx of tourism dollars in off-season

• Funding: State CTED grant, private donors, generous donation by Dewitt Jenson of grounds? San Juan County tax payers?; income from boat construction and repair; program tuition

• Physical infrastructure:
o Boat building shop large enough to house 2-5 small boat projects simultaneously; equipped with basic power and hand tools for working with wood and composite materials
o Machine shop suitable for electrical projects, engine repair
o Classroom/seminar/meeting room
o Display areas to narrate local maritime history as well as current projects
o Administrative office space
o Small-boat dock
o Easy access to launch ramp
o Beach for hand-launching small boats
o Boat storage area (covered and uncovered) for a variety of small boats

• Program ideas: a mix of long-term core programs, peripheral short courses and ongoing programs designed to serve a range of populations on Lopez Island, in San Juan County, regionally and nationally. Schedule short courses to encourage participation by visitors from other islands and outside the county. Short courses taught by paid individuals from around San Juan County; core programs taught by paid faculty.
o 1 year long core programs designed to teach vocational skills in boat building, restoration, and repair. Possible subjects include traditional small-boat construction, yacht restoration and repair, boat cabinetry and joinery, marine systems installation and repair
 4-6 paying apprentices per instructor; boats built on commissions or for other Maritime Center programs; repairs and finished boats serve as income for Maritime Center; consider limiting enrollment to residents of San Juan County or
o Multi-week intensives: designed to attract hobbyists and amateurs (build a kayak, marine systems diagnosis and maintenance, etc)
o Evening seminars: 2 hr evening sessions meeting as long as necessary (navigation, knot tying, metal casting, hand sewing, sail repair, etc.)
o Weekend courses (tool use intensives, multi-week kayak building courses, etc.)
o Collaboration with Lopez High School students: long-term, part-time programs, i.e. small group of students works with apprentices for 3 hours once a week for the duration of the school year to assist in Maritime Center projects.
o Current Family Resource Center sailing program housed in Maritime Center; expand to include racing program and long-distance expeditions; boats for program built/maintained by core program apprentices; expand program to participate in regional and international seamanship contests (Shipyard Raid, Pacific Challenge and Atlantic Challenge)
o Community rowing program organized through Maritime Center, boats housed there; boats built through apprentice program
o Local Maritime History: collaborate with Lopez Historical Society to create displays, host lectures, etc.

Kevin is looking for a $30,000 "seed" grant proposal with no strings attached, which would allow us to hire professionals such as Architects, Assessors and Accountants in support of a county wide vision for a Marine Resources Institute or System. With the seed money and the attention of both the CTED and the Governor's office, Kevin is hopeful that we can come back to the Legislature through David Quall's office for a significant grant proposal in February or March of this next year. Toward this end, the Commissioner will be asking these three island activist groups to join together in a conference sometime in mid to late January.

In the meantime, under the assumption that the $500,000 might be available if we could prepare a grant proposal within two weeks, Ralph Hahn, the head of the EDC, asked me to take leadership, and with the help and support of Jeff Bossler, we formed groups on the three main islands where the participants had an interest in marine issues. We then worked with each of these groups to build proposals that within a very short time frame might be presented to the Governor to "lock in" this money.

On Lopez, the team leadership included Ben Brouwer and Kim and Michelle Smith. On Orcas, the leadership included Kat Fennel, Michael Durland, Michael Douglas, and Bob Connor. On San Juan Island, the leadership included Scott Webster, Dan Ward, Steve Simpson, Marylyn O'Connor, and Scott Boyd.

Conclusions

In retrospect, we are probably fortunate that we were not able to cobble together some sort of proposal, since the objectives of the groups varied widely, and obtaining a grant which required the donation of $1.5 million in bricks, mortar, land or its equivalent from the community in order to receive $.5 million in funding for a single use facility on one island was clearly not the preference of the various marine groups.

Despite the one week flap, a great deal of good has come from this activity

• We have identified a group of activists on all three of the major islands.

• These groups represent are involved in a variety of marine activates including the management of port facilities, marinas, boat yards, marine environmental and education issues, wood boat tradition and preservation groups and sailing clubs.

• As a general conclusion, it appeared that there were more consensuses for organization, renovation of current facilities, modernization, marine boat and environmental education, marine collections, and advertising and supporting gatherings of like minded professionals and amateurs here in San Juan County than there was for yet more bricks and mortar.

Summary of Discussions

Orcas Island

• The Wooden Boat Foundation of the San Juans (WBFSJ) already exists, and is a 501 c (3) countywide entity with the mission to perpetuate the craftsmanship, artistry and knowledge of maritime traditions through education, public display and entertainment.

• The San Juan County Marine Resource System (SJCMRS) should be created to renovate and equip existing leased or owned infrastructure to establish a countywide economic growth by parlaying our existing tourist based economy into a regional year-around economy by utilizing, promoting and cultivating existing skills, knowledge and trades in the area of marine resources through educational programs for tourist, local school districts and craftsman and other interested persons.

• The SJCMRS should renovate and make the necessary improvements to and equip existing leased structures from a permitted boatyards on Orcas Island, Lopez Island and San Juan Island. These facilities would then be utilized to teach workshops, hold meetings, as an office space for the SJCMRS.

• The SJCMRS should use existing facilities in permitted boatyards to create an environment that has opportunities from building and restoring boats to marine biology and environmental studies.

• As the SJCMRS grows each facility will develop a specialty based on the skills and interest of the local talents thereby creating a sustainable economic development and growth.

• By renovating and using existing unused or under- utilitized infrastructure the public reaps an immediate benefit from the SJCMRS because no new impermeable surfaces, sewers, drainages, roads, boat ramps or utility access are created.

• SJCMRS will benefit our small school districts that struggle to support a vocational programs by providing educational opportunities, internships and apprenticeships in marine resources. Students will benefit by learning skills that will assist them through life. Local craftsman, artisans, skilled workers and educators will benefit by the opportunity to both teach and take educational programs.

• Local businesses will benefit by providing facilities and by the off-peak season revenues generated by non-locals attending programs who will stay at the normally near-empty B&B's, Inns and Resorts, as well as eat at local restaurants and shop at local stores.

• The public at large will benefit by having the opportunity to explore marine history, trades, and environments by touring facilities, attending classes or workshops, exploring displays and environments or renting classic or wooden boats to more closely experience San Juan County waters.

San Juan Island

• Multiple-Island Cooperation Desirable A coordinated effort that resulted in a multiple-island resource would have many advantages. The project would a). Serve a larger market; b). Enjoy differentiation from similar projects (e.g. Port Townsend & Lake Union), and c). Potentially attract more local "matching resources" in various forms. Wild examples: We discussed a barge-based Wooden Boat School (with perhaps a classic tug) moving between different island venues. Peter Fromme's mobile gallery idea might catch on. Our islands could boast a changing smorgasbord of movable water-based attractions (think Sausalito with shopping).

• External Partnerships Possible Consider using the resources of "Wooden Boat" magazine or the Wooden Boat Centers at Port Townsend or Lake Union.

• Cannery or Jackson Beach Tie-in Desirable We talked about various (so-far-inconclusive) discussions and studies for uses of the old cannery and the Port's Jackson Beach property. A Wooden Boat Center would be an attractive part of a more broadly-defined development involving either or both.

• Leading Entity Essential We talked about possible strategic fits with The Sailing Foundation, the Historical Museum and the Port of Friday Harbor--whose participation is likely in the longer term--but none of which was in a position to lead the effort in the current short time frame. Other local partners might include The Whale Museum and Island Rec. We agreed that nothing good could be expected to happen absent the passionate (life-absorbing) commitment of some person or group.

Lopez Island

• Organizational status: create a department within the Lopez Port Commission; create a new 501c3 non-profit; organization overseen by a board of directors and managed by director; paid full-time faculty and part-time instructors

• Mission: to build and nurture a vibrant maritime community in the San Juan Islands by offering rigorous vocational education opportunities in the marine construction trades, and public access to boats, water sports and our rich maritime history.

• Economic benefits: year-round high-skill employment for local shipwrights and carpenters; part-time employment for local craftspeople, sailing instructors and trip leaders; job training for individuals entering the marine trades; positive skill and character development for local youth; influx of tourism dollars in off-season

• Funding: State CTED grant, private donors, generous donation by Dewitt Jenson of grounds? San Juan County tax payers?; income from boat construction and repair; program tuition

• Physical infrastructure:
o Boat building shop large enough to house 2-5 small boat projects simultaneously; equipped with basic power and hand tools for working with wood and composite materials
o Machine shop suitable for electrical projects, engine repair
o Classroom/seminar/meeting room
o Display areas to narrate local maritime history as well as current projects
o Administrative office space
o Small-boat dock
o Easy access to launch ramp
o Beach for hand-launching small boats
o Boat storage area (covered and uncovered) for a variety of small boats

• Program ideas: a mix of long-term core programs, peripheral short courses and ongoing programs designed to serve a range of populations on Lopez Island, in San Juan County, regionally and nationally. Schedule short courses to encourage participation by visitors from other islands and outside the county. Short courses taught by paid individuals from around San Juan County; core programs taught by paid faculty.
o 1 year long core programs designed to teach vocational skills in boat building, restoration, and repair. Possible subjects include traditional small-boat construction, yacht restoration and repair, boat cabinetry and joinery, marine systems installation and repair
o 4-6 paying apprentices per instructor; boats built on commissions or for other Maritime Center programs; repairs and finished boats serve as income for Maritime Center; consider limiting enrollment to residents of San Juan County or
o Multi-week intensives: designed to attract hobbyists and amateurs (build a kayak, marine systems diagnosis and maintenance, etc)
o Evening seminars: 2 hr evening sessions meeting as long as necessary (navigation, knot tying, metal casting, hand sewing, sail repair, etc.)
o Weekend courses (tool use intensives, multi-week kayak building courses, etc.)
o Collaboration with Lopez High School students: long-term, part-time programs, i.e. small group of students works with apprentices for 3 hours once a week for the duration of the school year to assist in Maritime Center projects.
o Current Family Resource Center sailing program housed in Maritime Center; expand to include racing program and long-distance expeditions; boats for program built/maintained by core program apprentices; expand program to participate in regional and international seamanship contests (Shipyard Raid, Pacific Challenge and Atlantic Challenge)
o Community rowing program organized through Maritime Center, boats housed there; boats built through apprentice program
o Local Maritime History: collaborate with Lopez Historical Society to create displays, host lectures, etc.