Lummi Nation receives $11 million grant to help modernize Fisherman’s Cove Marina dock
Lummi Nation is receiving nearly $11 million in federal funds announced Wednesday to demolish and replace a pier at its Fisherman’s Cove Marina dock at Gooseberry Point.
Four Democrats in Washington state’s congressional delegation announced the grant in a joint statement as part of $44.5 million in statewide awards for port infrastructure.
U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray and U.S. Reps. Rick Larsen of Everett and Derek Kilmer of Bremerton said the funding comes from the Port Infrastructure Improvement Program.
“Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, the Lummi Nation has the funding it needs to construct a new dock that can accommodate larger boats and vessels at Fisherman’s Cove and a rail system for fishermen to more easily transport their catches from the waterfront to market — an investment that means more jobs, long-term economic growth and safer, more reliable maritime infrastructure in Lummi Bay and the Salish Sea,” Larsen said in a statement. Larsen’s 2nd Congressional District includes all of Whatcom County.
The grant also will help buy an electric lift and four davit cranes, the statement said.
“The over 450 Lummi Nation fishing vessels make up the largest tribal fishing fleet in the world. This $10.9 million investment will help replace the antiquated Fisherman’s Cove Marina Dock and investment in an electric lift and cranes will support the over 500 Lummi fishers and support a thriving working waterfront at Gooseberry Point,” Cantwell said.
“The Fisherman’s Cove Marina Dock at Gooseberry Point is critical infrastructure for the Lummi Nation in Bellingham, and the whole community, which is why we need to keep it safe, efficient, and up-to-date,” Murray said.
