This page last partial update, October 12, 2007

Marina Office, Restrooms & Showers
C.A. Taggart Construction recently completed its commercial development near the West Basin.  
The building provides new showers and restrooms for boaters, as well as the Port’s Harbor Master office. 

Pier 3 - Haul-Out/Boatyard
The Port of Astoria’s haul-out/boatyard facility is fully operational, including an 88-ton TravelLift® and wash down pad.  The TravelLift® allows boats to be safely and efficiently lifted from the water. The wash down system makes it easier for boaters to wash algae and barnacles from a boat bottom, and dispose of it properly.

The facility has the capacity to service most recreational vessels on the Columbia River, and in-transit vessels traveling up and down the Pacific coast. Ample long-term boat and trailer parking spaces are available at the site. 

March 2004: East Basin Breakwater Repair Continues; Funding Sought
At the Port of Astoria’s East Basin, significant breakwater improvements have been made. In July 2003 the 1,300 foot eastern portion of the breakwater was repaired, and opened to the public.

During the in-water work period from November 1 – February 29, repairs began on the western portion of the breakwater. Crews excavated rock and sand, and drove some of the necessary sheet piling for the new breakwater. To date, the Port has secured a total of $17 million for the completed eastern causeway, and the work recently completed on the western causeway.

It is estimated the final phase of the East Basin breakwater repair project - completion of the western portion of the breakwater - will require $1.1 million. The Port is seeking federal funds for this remaining work.

March 2004: Marina Improvements - West Basin
Through the winter months, a bevy of construction workers at the Port of Astoria’s West Basin were hard at work. To boaters, port commissioners, and port staff, the hum of activity speaks of progress, as the breakwater here is repaired and reconfigured for maximum vessel protection.

In 2001 the port sought and received funding for repairs to the eastern portion of the breakwater, and completed that work. A breakwater failure last summer on the western portion necessitated a request for emergency funding for this phase of a planned marina improvement project. The project cost increased by $500,000 due to a drastic hike in steel prices, but the State of Oregon increased the amount of the loan dollars provided. 

When completed, these improvements will represent a sizable investment of approximately $4.5 million, and will significantly increase the marina area, as 31,000 cubic yards of material are removed to make way for 30 to 40 additional boat slips and a new and more accessible fuel dock.

In the spring, boaters to the port’s West Basin will encounter an improved approach and a highly secure seawall. Other improvements slated later in the season for the West Basin include new restrooms and showers, and a more conveniently located harbormaster’s office.

July 2003: West Basin Improvement Funding
The Port sought funds for marina enhancements and breakwater repairs in the West Basin in 2001, and received a $530K grant from the Oregon Marine Board recently for a portion of the work. The Port also received approval on a $2.6 million loan from the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department for the balance of the improvements.


July 2003: East Basin Breakwater Opens to Public
On July 3, the eastern side of the East Basin breakwater opened for public access, after a formal opening ceremony. A 1,300 by 42 foot paved surface now allows anglers a place to cast their lines into the Columbia River. Non-fishers can also stroll along the resurfaced area to enjoy glimpses of marine and sea life, and a birds-eye view of Tongue Point.

Public access to this site, owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers, came about as a result of negotiations between the Port of Astoria and the Corps. Responding to the frustrations of people denied access to their fishing spot at the port's Pier 1, port officials intensely lobbied the Corps to open the East Basin breakwater to those seeking Columbia River fishing access.

"The blessing of the Corp of Engineers was required to gain public access to this federally-owned property," said then-deputy director Bill Cook.