Squalicum Harbor Unique Moorage Opportunity

The Port of Bellingham is seeking proposals for a moorage opportunity in Squalicum Harbor.  Squalicum Harbor is located in Bellingham, WA situated between British Columbia to the north, Skagit County to the south, the Georgia Straits to the west, and the Cascade Mountain Range to the east.  The county is approximately 2,503 square miles with over 130 miles of saltwater shoreline.Squalicum Harbor is the third largest marina in Puget Sound home to 1386 recreational boats and active commercial fishing vessels.   There are several boat sales and charter businesses that lease upland property with sales and charter moorage slips.  The Port of Bellingham is seeking individuals or businesses to lease the east side of a 100’ work dock, located between the Gate 3 visitor dock and the Sawtooth dock. This dual-sided 100’ long dock is the former moorage dock for the Island Mariner whale watching boat.  The business has closed and the dock is available for lease. The dock space is available for moorage of vessels only and is not suitable for other types of craft.  The maximum length available for moorage is 90’ on the east side of the dock. The beam of any vessel moored on this dock will be limited to 25’ with limited rafting of vessels.  This is a shared dock with a current lease on the west side of the dock.This dock will be leased “as-is” and without an ADA ramp.  If ADA access is required, a new ramp or other structure must be constructed and installed that will safely convey passengers from shore to the dock.  The applicant will be responsible for all costs associated with installing an ADA ramp. Any ramp or structure must meet City of Bellingham code requirements and be fully permitted, and approved by the Port of Bellingham.  UtilitiesPower - 30 amp, 120v outlet and 50 amp, 208v outlet                                               Water - Single water line supplying the dock with T-head that has two faucets. Parking - Non-exclusive upland parking is available that is shared by tenants, moorage customers, patrons, and the general public.Office Space - Not part of this RFP.  Office needs and considerations will be negotiated with the Port’s Real Estate division under a separate process.Parties interested in leasing the moorage dock in Squalicum Harbor offered in this solicitation must submit four hard copies with maximum 25 pages, of their statements of interest, qualifications, and business plan to:Pam TaftPort of Bellingham722 Coho WayBellingham, WA  98225Submittals must be received by 4pm on March 31, 2025.  Late Submittals will not be accepted.  THE SUBMITTAL MUST INCLUDE:1.    Describe the type of business and vessel and/or vessels that will be moored at this location.2.    A brief history of the business, background of the owner(s), and description of the business.3.    A business plan for the intended moorage use.4.    A description of planned tenant improvements to provide ADA access, if needed, to the dock from land.5.    A description explaining how the intended use will benefit the harbor and community.  6.    Any other additional information you feel may be helpful in the evaluation of respondents.  GENERAL CONDITIONS: 1.    Information provided in this part of the solicitation process is subject to the public disclosure laws and should be considered public information and available for review upon request.2. Expenses incurred in the preparation of this solicitation are solely the responsibility of the respondent.               ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE:Submittal Deadline                                                                                                       March 31, 2025Evaluation/Selection                                                                                                    April 14, 2025Execute Memorandum of Understanding with Moorage Tenant(s)  May 7, 2025Moorage Agreement Start Date                                                                            June 1, 2025