If Commissioner Geoff Tapert has anything to say about it, the Port of South Whidbey will evolve into a major force for economic development over the next several years.

“We’ve been a sleepy little port for some time, and that’s going to change,” said Tapert.

Tapert joined the port commission in January after running a campaign that stressed economic opportunities for the South End.

With the commission’s recent approval to purchase a floating breakwater from Bremerton and an offer on the table to buy Langley’s interest in the small boat harbor, the port’s dynamics could change forever.

The Port of South Whidbey is perched on the edge of growth, just as the port prepares its comprehensive plan for the next seven years.

“Acquiring the marina and bringing a floating breakwater to Langley are nothing new,” Tapert said. “Everything we’re doing is consistent with the harbor front development plan for Langley. How all the parts will fit together is the question we need to deal with.”

At their regular meeting tonight, commissioners plan to discuss their $250,0000 offer to purchase a 400-foot long breakwater from Bremerton to encourage transient boaters, whale watch operators and “pocket” cruise ships to visit Langley.

At some point, the piers would be altered to provide a fueling station, similar to the one at Coupeville’s wharf.

Assuming Bremerton agrees, the three floating sections would be towed to Whidbey by next June.

“Moving forward quickly on the fuel dock demonstrates our desire and commitment to move forward; this is a great first step,” Tapert said. “Doing something positive will generate public support.”

Meanwhile, the city of Langley wants to move right along, as well.

In a recent letter to the commissioners, Mayor Neil Colburn said the city was prepared to work with the port to transfer ownership of the Langley marina so the port can be ready to run the operation next summer.

Taking over the marina would be a huge undertaking for the Port of South Whidbey, which currently operates a recreational pier, boat launch ramps and parks and has just two paid employees. If the port buys the marina, it’s expected that the port would need to add several employees, including harbormasters who could run the marina.

Tapert said one of the first tasks would be to establish a maintenance facility; future projects might include a parking garage in the uplands area and transferring the port’s office from Freeland to Langley to more efficiently oversee operations.

And, of course, the port could swiftly begin the long-planned overhaul of the boat launch ramp, the renovation of Phil Nichols Park and other improvements. The money for the boat launch project has already been earmarked, and some officials believe private money will follow as the harbor area is further developed.

Paul Schell, who owns the Boatyard Inn at the harbor and the Inn at Langley, said the marina should be managed by one entity.

“Ports are uniquely set up to do that,” Schell said. “I’m very supportive of the whole idea. Langley has shown a certain grace to offer the plan; it’s a logical step and very cost effective. In fact, my partners and I have gifted the tidelands below the inn and we hope the port acts positively.”

A price tag hasn’t been publicly placed on the marina.

Colburn and the city expects to get a reasonable amount for the high-profile property.

Schell agrees private money will find its way to the marina if the port takes over.

“For instance, we would build a marina store and expand the boatyard to attract investment and provide more jobs,” he said.

Tapert is convinced he and his fellow commissioners are headed in the right direction.

“The port could operate, maintain and expand the marina while being good stewards of the land,” Tapert said. “It all fits with the state’s mandate of what a port can and should do.”

Jeff VanDerford can be reached at 221-5300 or jvanderford@southwhidbeyrecord.com.