It’s finally done. It took five years, but the Port of South Whidbey’s renovation of the boat ramp at Possession Beach Waterfront Park is complete.

The facility opened for business late last month and an official ribbon cutting was held last week. It was attended by port officials, dignitaries and park users. The latter said they thought the project turned out pretty well, especially compared to the old dock.

“It was just a mess,” said Jake Stewart, a Clinton resident.

“It’s nice to see our tax dollars well spent.”

The orientation of the ramp and currents made it subject sediment build-up; sand would pile up on the ramp requiring regular removal by a backhoe. To solve the problem, the dock was moved to the south side of the ramp, and the ramp itself was heightened and got new concrete. Also, the environmentally toxic creosote pilings were replaced with new steel pilings.

The project cost about $600,000, the vast majority of which came from grants. About $125,000 came from port coffers.

Port Commissioner Curt Gordon spoke during the ribbon cutting, expressing relief that the project was finally at an end and praising the work of Edmond’s-based Mott MacDonald, the port’s hired design firm.

“We’re really happy with the way the project turned out,” he said.