Title
Sandman Tugboat Briefing
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the status and upcoming steps for the Sandman Tugboat.
Staff Contact:
Brittany Gillia, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8427
Presenter(s):
Aaron LaPointe, Executive Director, Historic Maritime Foundation
Background and Analysis:
The Sandman Tugboat is a local maritime heritage resource that is listed on the Olympia Heritage Register, Washington State Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places. The vessel was brought out of the water in 2023 for repairs, and was found to be in worse condition than anticipated. The time out of water has caused severe structural degradation, posing a tipping hazard in the boat yard, which is a significant safety risk.
After due process, the Port put the Sandman up for auction on July 23, 2025 but the vessel did not receive any bids.
Representatives from the Port of Olympia and the Historic Maritime Foundation met with the Heritage Review Committee on April 13 (File #26-0277) to go over initial plans and a general scope of what is proposed. This meeting will be to continue the discussion on potential next steps or mitigation options recommended for the vessel.
Climate Analysis:
N/A
Equity Analysis:
The Port and the Historic Maritime Foundation understand the value of this historic resource and believe that it is paramount to do what they can to preserve the history of the vessel. As part of this, community engagement efforts are being planned to ensure that the history of the vessel is preserved and that potential artifacts have a plan to be appropriately considered and distributed throughout the Olympia community so that the Sandman can continue to be accessible and recognized as a highlight of our local maritime heritage.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
This project is of interest to the broader Olympia community, as well as those involved in...
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