Port of Anacortes commissioners and staff hosted a ribbon-cutting event Tuesday morning a the site of the Port’s latest waterfront restoration project. The “O” Avenue/Railroad Avenue Mitigation Project was funded by a Job Development Fund (JDF) grant from the state Department of Commerce. A beachfront interpretive sign was funded by the Skagit Marine Resource Committee. Included in the crowd were Mayor Dean Maxwell and other city officials, as well as Economic Development Association of Skagit County (EDASC) Director Don Wick. Among elements of the project were removal of creosote pilings and concrete. Steps were added to the beach, and there is now a railed area with benches overlooking the water. Upland improvements included installation of pervious paving, rain gardens and artful drainpipes. Utility service to several Port warehouses was upgraded, and street and landscaping improvements were made. Cutting the ribbon were Port Commission President Keith Rubin and a state Department of Commerce representative.