Welcome to Skagit County

March 8th, 2010

Terminal Parking Plan

Skagit County has recently received numerous questions regarding parking at the Guemes Island Ferry Terminal with specific reference to loss of parking due to the new terminal building and the draft dock plan. It was, therefore, felt beneficial to all if factual responses were provided herein to the most frequently asked questions in this regard:

How much parking will be lost in Lot No.1 from the terminal project?
Eighteen (18) parking spaces will be lost in Lot No.1 in the latest draft dock and parking plan.

How has the County planned to address the loss of parking?
Working with City of Anacortes engineers, Skagit County has offset some of this loss by creating thirteen (13) additional parallel parking spaces on the north side of 6th Street between "J" and "K" Avenues, thus leaving a net loss of 5 parking spaces to the ferry operation.

Is the County eliminating parking in Lot No.2?
The County has no plans to change the current parking configuration in Lot No. 2.

Why did the County post plans at the ferry terminal showing the elimination of up to 60 parking spaces?
Preliminary and conceptual draft drawings were initially posted at the ferry terminal to give the public an idea of what the new terminal design could look like. These plans have since been updated to reflect the current draft dock and parking plan.

Who created the latest dock and parking plan?
The Skagit County Public Works Department created the draft dock and parking plan.

Was public participation included when creating the dock and parking plan?
During the permitting process, Public Meetings were held by the City of Anacortes to consider public input. Additional meetings between Skagit County Public Works staff, City of Anacortes staff, Guemes Island Ferry Committee, and neighbors adjacent to the Ferry Terminal also provided input for consideration during the development of the latest draft dock and parking plan.

What criteria were used to develop the dock and parking plan?
Some of the criteria used were:
a) Create and maintain better access to Lot No. 2.
b) Provide Terminal access for transit.
c) Provide parking stalls and Terminal access for drop off and pick up.
d) Maintain angle parking in Lot No.1 next to the marina.
e) Preserve as many parking stalls as possible in Lot No. 1 and on 6th Street.

Skagit County is committed to planning for the future by improving support facilities for ferry operations and maintaining good working relationships with the neighboring area. These improvements aid in the continuance of providing a clean, safe, and efficient ferry operation that all Skagit County citizens can be proud of. If you wish to comment on the draft dock and parking plan, please send your comments in writing to: