The Dumfries and Galloway Council report also says Kirkmabeck Quarry Quay needs its berth deepened to take large vessels and the quay wall needs urgent repair to avoid collapse.
Two large sawmilling businesses in the region are interested in using the facility to bring in logs by sea in a move which could remove 700 lorry loads from the roads annually and reduce impact on the road system.
On September 19 councillors on the council’s Stewartry Area Committee (Business) heard that the 11.4ha site near the A75 can take large vessels of 1,500-2,000 tonnes but a build up of sediment currently prevents such ships from using the quay.
An environmental impact assessment will be required on the dredging needed for berth deepening, along with engineering design for remedial works.
A contract has already been drawn up between John Scott Transport and site owner Tarmac, with John Scott being leased half the site as pier operator.
But James England, south of Scotland timber transport officer, said funding was "the major constraint".
"We believe that this project needs to be a private sector-led investment," he said. "There are opportunities to examine co-funding from organisations such as Scottish Enterprise and the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme."
He reported strong commerical interest from the forest industry, with ongoing meetings with key representatives from the sector. But due to commercial sensitivies he couldn’t comment further.
Sawmills in the region include BSW Timber at Dalbeattie and James Jones at Lockerbie.
"Continuity of supply [to sawmills] is important and so having a facility such as Kirkmabreck could help source timber from far afield such as Argyll or the Highlands," he said.
The next steps will involve further meetings with stakeholders, arranging further surveys and exploration of funding.
Kirkambreck harbour was previously used for transport/processing of quarry materials but has been mothballed for more than 10 years.
