KINGSTON — After years of organizing and shaping its 10-year master plan, the Port of Kingston is finally ready to implement the first phase — new fuel tanks to replace the 30-year-old system that currently serves the marina.

For about a month, starting April 24, those visiting the Kingston locale will be forced to get their boating fuel elsewhere while the newer, larger tanks are installed. Once completed, the two, 12,000-gallon tanks have will boast a greater fuel capacity (by 4,000 gallons) than the previous system and be safer for the environment.

“We’d hate to have them fail on us,” said Port of Kingston Commissioner Pete DeBoer of the current tanks. “We’re moving the tanks up to where the restrooms are located near the roadway, and the pavement where the current tanks are buried will become part of (Mike Wallace Memorial Park).”

Because of the work involved, the port will not be able to offer fueling services, and has been spreading the word to boaters wanting reservations, current occupants and residents for several months, said POK office manager Scott Coulter. He has also been suggesting alternative places to fill tanks, including Poulsbo, Brownsville, Edmonds and Ballard.

“We might run out of fuel before the construction date,” Coulter said. “Then it just depends on whether we want to get another, smaller shipment, or just start sending people elsewhere at that time.”

Other parts of the master plan sailing into the area include beginning permitting for the small boat house that will float in the marina and establishing funding sources for a performing arts gazebo at Mike Wallace Memorial Park.

“At the top of our list now is the small craft building,” said Port of Kingston Commissioner Tom Coultas. A 30-day public comment period began Thursday for residents to voice opinions on the shoreline permit, which is the first step in allowing the floating structure. “Shortly after May 5, we hope to have a permit in hand to go forward with that.”

Optimistically, the commissioners hope to have the small boat building done by mid-August, which would allow for some summer use before the winter weather drives boaters indoors.

The performing arts gazebo is a little farther out, but DeBoer said permits aren’t far off for that part of the project either.

“Once we have the shoreline approval permit, when we start each project, we don’t have to go back every time to get another shoreline permit,” he said.

The master plan also includes “someday” proposals for improving parking for the port area and expansions of the marina and what it offers visitors.