MAY 28, 2025 UPDATE

Pier 2 West is a critical part of the Port of Astoria’s infrastructure, supporting the region’s commercial fishing fleet and seafood processing industry. Originally constructed in the 1940s, the pier has endured decades of use and exposure, leading to the deterioration of pilings and significant seawall damage. Due to safety concerns, the Oregon Department of Transportation imposed weight restrictions on the structure in 2017.

To address these challenges, the Port made the rehabilitation of Pier 2 West a top priority, securing major funding for the project in 2023, including:

·         A $1.2 million preconstruction grant from Business Oregon

·         $25.3 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP)

In late 2023, the Port Commission selected PND Engineers to lead the design for the rehabilitation project. Throughout 2024, the project progressed through design and permitting stages, with 90% design completion anticipated by the end of March 2025. Under federal rules, final design work must pause until the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) review is completed.

To secure necessary permits, the Port developed three key documents:

·         Environmental Assessment (led by Campbell Environmental)

·         Joint Permit Application

·         Mitigation Plan

As part of the Mitigation Plan, the Port hired Pacific Habitat Services (PHS) to evaluate Port-owned properties for suitable mitigation sites. One viable site was identified on the east bank of the Skipanon River in Warrenton. However, the City of Warrenton denied the Port’s conditional use application, referencing concerns from a 1980 agreement. Although the Port provided a detailed response, city officials received it too late for proper consideration.

To avoid further delays, the Port withdrew its appeal and submitted two new conditional use applications: one for the original Port-owned mitigation site and one for an alternative state-owned site north of the original

The Port maintains that the original site remains the most feasible mitigation option.

As the Port awaits a decision on the mitigation site, PND Engineers was contracted to conduct an updated inspection of Pier 2 West and develop a scope of work for emergency repairs. Since the full rehabilitation is planned across three phases over the next three years, certain critical repairs cannot wait until the final phase.

These short-term repairs will help maintain the safety and operational viability of Pier 2 West while long-term construction planning continues. This proactive step ensures that seafood processing operations and public safety are not compromised as the Port moves forward with the rehabilitation of Pier 2 West.