Dredging at Neah Bay entrance complete

The Makah Tribe is making it easier for a Neah Bay-based response vessel to help distressed or disabled boats in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Northwest Treaty Tribes said.

In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the entrance to Neah Bay was dredged this winter to deepen and widen the bay’s channel, allowing for the state Department of Ecology’s emergency response towing vessel (ERTV) to more easily respond, said Carol Reamer, director of the Port of Neah Bay.

“This project has been a long collaborative partnership with the Corps of Engineers, and we’re thrilled to see these improvements enhance the protection of the valuable Neah Bay ecosystem and improve safety for larger commercial and fishing vessels that enter the port,” said Timothy “TJ” Greene Sr., Makah tribal chairman.

The $3.3 million project, including $546,000 from the tribe, started in October 2023 and finished in February.