Port approves East Basin dock replacement

Published 6:06 pm Sunday, January 11, 2026

By JAY CORELLA

the Astorian

On Tuesday, the Port of Astoria Commission met for its first January meeting to discuss issues pertinent to the Port.

Commissioners approved a measure to replace the East Basin boarding dock.

The commission approved $295,000 for Topper Industries to construct the dock.

Executive Director Will Isom said that the Port’s share of the $295,000 would only be $68,000; the difference will be covered by grants from the Oregon State Marine Board and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“At this point we’re looking for approval from the commission to get this request for expenditure done and to get this project going,” said Deputy Director Matt McGrath.

“This is a real asset for the community and the region,” said Commissioner Dirk Rhone.

Most recently, Topper industries has worked on a gangway for the Port. The company specializes in marine construction including floating docks, gangways and catwalks.

According to McGrath, Topper will construct the dock in their facility and deliver it, with Port workers taking on installation.

Executive comments

Isom updated the commission on the Central Waterfront Redevelopment Plan. The plan, “shaped” by the Port’s Master Plan, hopes to redevelop property between Pier 1 and the Astoria Bridge that the Port considers to be “underutilized.”

Isom announced to the commission that Port administrators and the city are beginning talks to update the city of Astoria on the waterfront plan.

“(It was) kind of a kickoff meeting that included public works, community development, the city manager and the developers and then Port administrators,” Isom said.

Deputy Director McGrath said that the airport advisory committee will be discussing returning commercial airline services to the region.

According to McGrath, Nicholas Newsom, a representative from Boutique Air, will be in attendance to present the possibility of new routes that include Astoria Regional Airport-AST.

“He’s going to highlight some of the possibilities of what we can do to bring back commercial service to AST.,” said McGrath.

The Airport Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12.