The Port of South Whidbey is looking to replace the boat ramp at Possession Beach park and is hoping the state will help cover the tab.

During the commissioners’ regular meeting this past Tuesday, the board unanimously agreed to pursue a $99,000 grant from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office’s Boating Facilities Program.

The existing ramp is open for use but is old and poorly designed. The port, which is the sole owner of the park, has to clear sand from the ramp regularly and it’s hoped a new ramp would reduce such maintenance.

If awarded the grant, the port would use the money to pay for engineering and permitting of the new facility. Funding for the rest of the project has yet to be determined.