The Westport Golf Links project passed a critical stage on Monday when it released the long-awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), a 436-page document that includes the most detailed aspects of the proposed Scottish links golf course within the grounds of the Westport Light State Park, and officially opens the public comment period.

“Please, please, this is your opportunity to make your opinions and comments heard officially via email or by mailing them to city hall,” said Westport Mayor Ed Welter. “ … We want your comments, we want public opinion, we want to know what the community thinks of this. This is something that will change the face of the city of Westport.”

If the project goes forward through the city of Westport, Welter said, the decision to enter into a lease for the property would be determined by the Washington State Parks commissioners.

The DEIS includes three alternatives. The first is using the full 224 acres. The second alternative reduces the lease area down to 196 acres by adding more wetlands. The third is the option to reject the project altogether and stay with the status quo.

If option one or two is selected, the project would then go before the State Parks Commission for approval of the requested 80-year lease. If approved, the project would be rolled out in phases for the next 15 years.

The Westport Golf Links proposal under either action alternative would include an 18-hole course, a Toptracer golf range and grill. Golf-related facilities — a clubhouse/pro shop, lodge, guest cottages, and a large putting course — are proposed outside the park.

The proposed routing of the 18-hole course would begin in the southeast interior of the park in the forested area north of the Grays Harbor lighthouse.

Amenities proposed for the 18-hole course within the park include a short course, practice range, and shuttle service path. The short course will be a smaller golf venue, “built for fun” and more casual, with much shorter distances between tees and greens. The practice range is proposed in a remote north-central location, chosen for upland conditions in an area that was previously disturbed by the start of construction on the former Links and Half Moon Bay project.

A shuttle service path is proposed between the clubhouse and practice range to transport guests and maintenance crews. The links will be a walking course with golf carts provided for those who require ADA assistance.

The Toptracer grill and restaurant is proposed as a community-oriented dining venue with public access to Toptracer technology that offers the opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels to play iconic courses and other games virtually.

Other public amenity opportunities proposed within the park include a surf shack concession stand, dune trail expansion/realignment, fog house trail restoration, one or more new interior trails, and facilitating Jetty Haul Road parking and pedestrian improvements.

Chapter 3 of the DEIS is the critical piece, where environmental concerns are identified. Potential affected areas and flora include wetland habitats, rare lichens and aesthetics. Vegetation, noxious weed control, wildfire fuel reduction, increased public recreation opportunities, and reuse of city of Westport wastewater effluent for irrigation were identified as having the potential for more than a moderate beneficial impact.

Representatives and members of the design team canvassed coastal properties from British Columbia to the Northern Oregon coast between 2018 and 2020 in search of a location that would support a championship Scottish links course.

The Westport Golf Links team, on selecting the Westport site, found only two properties that would fit their needs, Westport and one at Leadbetter Point State Park near the entrance to Willapa Bay.

Both parks are coastal and contain sandy soils. Either park is large enough to support an 18-hole golf course. However, Leadbetter Point does not have sufficient existing utilities or transportation infrastructure. Based on this review, Westport Light State Park met all requirements and was selected as the only feasible location in the Pacific Northwest.

Comments are open

Comments are now open and the DEIS is posted on the city of Westport’s webpage at http://www.ezview.wa.gov/site/alia_2007/37863/kibrary.aspx. A printed copy of the DEIS is available for review at city hall and the Westport Timberland Library. Written comments, either by email or mail, will be accepted through May 23.

Email: wgl.wlso.deis.comments@gmail.com

Mail: City of Westport, attention Tom Cappa, SEPA Responsible Official, P.O. Box 505, Westport, WA 98595

In your comments, include name and address. If you have questions, call Cappa at 360-268-0131.

Comments on the DEIS will be answered with possible mitigation solutions, and included in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). The city of Westport may approve, condition or deny project permits, starting with a required Shoreline permit.

Once the FEIS is issued, Westport’s Shoreline Administrator will prepare a detailed staff report to submit to the city’s Hearing Examiner.

Next, a public meeting will be scheduled with the Hearings Examiner for decision-making on the Shoreline permit application, and to consider any appeal of the FEIS.