The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding is adding a milling room to its Port Hadlock facility, thanks to strong local fundraising.

The 1,000 square foot addition is to house large machinery with which students may learn to prepare wood for the boats they are building or repairing. Having the machines in a separate room allows the school to manage noise and dust.

Over the last month, community members and the boat school board have stepped forward with commitments for more than 75 percent of the cost of the project costs, estimated at $112,000.

“Having started at the Boat School on October 1, I’ve already been inspired by the warmth and generosity of the local community,” said Betsy Davis, the school’s new executive director. “This key investment in our Port Hadlock Heritage Campus will help us better serve our growing numbers of students.”

The new milling room is to contain a B-17 Ship Saw built in the mid-1930s that accommodates a 16-inch thick timber when the blade is vertical and 12-inch thickness at the extreme cutting angle of 45 degrees. The saw is being donated temporarily by Rosario Straits Group Inc., a local project management company, that is also donating professional services. Students are to learn how to safely use the Ship Saw along with other stationary power tools needed for milling wood for the boats they are building. A specially designed dust collection system also enhances safety for students and instructors throughout the shop.

Nearby residents Duke and Jeanne Shold contributed to the project due to their commitment to education and to their high regard for Jeff Hammond, instructor for over 25 years, who is to retire in the summer of 2015.

“The Boat School is a vital part of our community and education is very important to us. This is an exciting project to be part of,” Duke Shold said.

Hammond added, “The generosity of the local community improves the safety and quality of the education we offer our students at the Boat School. This is an exciting investment for the Boat School.”

Beginning Feb. 6, the Boat School hosts a tour and open house at 3:30 p.m. on the first Friday of every month.

“We want to open our doors to our friends locally to give them a tour and tell them what we are up to, and we want to invite friends from around the region to see the new changes at the school and also appreciate the other activities the Peninsula offers,” Davis said.

For information or an opportunity to help support the project, contact Davis at 206-390-0381 or betsy@nwboatschool.org.