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Public Works Engineering

County Engineer

Thomas Weller, P.E.

Guemes Island Ferry Parking Lot Improvements

Background

The Skagit County Public Works Engineering Division is working to redesign the Guemes Island ferry parking lot to ensure the lot is A.D.A. accessible, safe for pedestrian access, and compliant with current stormwater standards.

The Guemes Island parking lot has been acknowledged in the Skagit County A.D.A Transition Plan, which identifies barriers and infrastructure within the Skagit County right-of-way that are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.). Additionally, the parking lot does not include infrastructure to treat or mitigate for stormwater runoff. Any stormwater runoff within the lot currently drains directly into the Guemes Channel.

The proposed redesign will include changes to ensure the lot is constructed to A.D.A. standards and provide infrastructure for the treatment of stormwater. The project also includes the construction of crosswalks, sidewalks, lighting, and a passenger shelter to further improve pedestrian safety between the parking lot and the ferry terminal.

Skagit County is using $262,277 of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Ferry Boat Program funding to support the cost of the parking lot design. There is a local match requirement of $65,569. The redesign of the parking lot is a capital project and local funds to support the project are sourced from the county road fund.

Public Works engineering staff released a Request for Qualifications in April 2026 to solicit a consultant to develop the final design of the parking lot. The consultant will consider initial concept drawings from Skagit County, as well as feedback from the community, to create the updated designs. The initial concept drawings are a starting point for the consultants to work with as they evaluate the needs of the project and community, along with A.D.A. standards, stormwater regulations, and the limitations of the parking lot location.

The Skagit County Commissioners hosted a work session with staff on July 17, 2024, to discuss the initial plans for the project. A recording of the work session can be viewed HERE. Public Works staff additionally hosted a meeting on February 10, 2026, on Guemes Island with members of the Guemes Island Planning Advisory Committee to solicit additional feedback and explain the remaining steps towards completing a final design.

Initial Feedback

While Skagit County has created an initial design of the new lot, these drawings are considered a starting point for the engineering team to use during initial discussions with the consultant when they are brought onboard. The drawings themselves do not indicate any final decisions have been made regarding the layout or proposed infrastructure.

We have heard the following comments and feedback from the community on the initial drawings:

Concerning safety and emergency access if there is only one entry and exit point.
Retaining walls reducing access to the public boat launch on Guemes Island.
Paving and striping layout would reduce the overall available parking spots.
A.D.A. spots have been moved uphill further away from ferry access.

We appreciate the written comments submitted thus far, and we have shared these comments with the County Commissioners. Community feedback will be considered by the consultants in the final design concept, and we will advertise additional opportunities for the public to engage on the project.

Timeline

In the funding agreement between Skagit County and the Washington State Department of Transportation, Skagit County is obligated to complete design by December 31, 2028, preparing construction bid documents for the parking lot redesign. If the bid documents are not completed by this time, Skagit County will be required to return the grant dollars to FHWA.

Skagit County expects to hire a consultant by September 2026, with the first deliverables expected by early spring 2027. The final design is expected to be completed sometime in 2028.

There are no funds currently acquired or earmarked for the construction phase of the project.

Public Engagement

The community is welcome to provide feedback and comments on the project to Skagit County Public Works by emailing pw@co.skagit.wa.us.

The scope of the consultant’s work will include future community engagement opportunities. When these opportunities are offered, we will reach out to Guemes Island residents.