$1.5 million grant secured to replace Spud Point Marina icehouse

BODEGA BAY, Calif. — Sonoma County Regional Parks will move forward with the renovation of the aging icehouse at Spud Point Marina after receiving a $1.5 million grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy. 

Approved in February, the grant is the last piece of a $2.78 million funding package needed to modernize the icehouse, a critical piece of infrastructure for Bodega Bay's commercial and sport fishing fleets and the region's seafood economy. 

The Spud Point icehouse is the only bulk ice production facility between San Francisco and Fort Bragg, serving approximately 250 commercial vessels, charter operators and recreational fishers. The facility produces ice that keeps locally caught fish cold from boat to processor, market and restaurant.

The decades-old icehouse is beyond its lifespan, increasingly unreliable and dependent on outdated refrigeration technology that relies on refrigerants now being phased out under federal law. When the icehouse breaks down, ice must be trucked in from far away, adding cost, delay and emissions. With the unpredictability of commercial fishing seasons in recent years, any disruption to storing and shipping seafood during the times when the fleet is allowed to fish can have significant economic consequences for fishermen.

“Bodega Bay’s working waterfront depends on reliable infrastructure,” said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, whose 5^th District includes Bodega Bay. “Investments like this help ensure the commercial fleet, charter operators and local businesses can continue supporting the community that depends on this harbor.”

In addition to the Coastal Conservancy grant, the repairs will be supported by $1.2 million in federal Community Project Funding secured through Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and $75,000 from the California Air Resources Control Board’s F-Gas Reduction Incentive Program.

The renovation will install modern, energy-efficient refrigeration equipment to improve reliability, reduce operating costs, eliminate dependence on the ozone-depleting R-22 refrigerant phased out under federal law and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with emergency repairs and ice transport.

“Bodega Bay’s identity has always been that of a fishing village, and ice is essential to everything we do,” said Dick Ogg, a Bodega Bay fisherman and community advocate. “Whether it’s crab, salmon, rockfish, or any other seafood, keeping that catch cold ensures it’s at its best with it reaches market. We’re grateful to Supervisor Hopkins, Congressman Huffman and Regional Parks for recognizing how important this facility is to the fleet and Bodega Bay.”

By modernizing the marina’s ice production system, the project will help support Bodega Bay jobs and small businesses and stabilize marina revenues that help sustain and expand public coastal access.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the partners and community members who stepped up to secure this funding,” said Sonoma County Regional Parks Director Bert Whitaker. “Spud Point is the heartbeat of our working coast. It’s a home for our fishing fleets and a gateway for everyone who comes to experience Bodega Bay. These upgrades ensure we’re being responsible stewards and keeping the harbor ready to serve the community for years to come.”

Spud Point Marina is owned and operated by Sonoma County Regional Parks. Replacement of the icehouse aligns with the department’s Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan and the project has long been identified as a priority by the Spud Point Marina Advisory Committee, the Sonoma County Fishermen’s Marketing Association, charter operators, seafood processors and the broader Bodega Bay community.

Working alongside state and local partners, Regional Parks is coordinating the design and permitting phase while scheduling construction to avoid disrupting marina activities. Regional Parks will continue to engage the community through the Spud Point Marina Advisory Committee and public progress reports.

For more information visit SoCoParks.org/SpudPoint.

Download high-resolution photos here.

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Media Contact:
Sarah Campbell, Marketing Specialist
Sonoma County Regional Parks
Sarah.Campbell@sonomacounty.gov