Port 1 commissioners planning improvements

Commissioners of Wahkiakum Port District No. 1 met July 8 to discuss improvements to port facilities.

Port Manager Jackie Lea reported a contractor has reclaimed an overgrown part of the “F” Dock parking area. The contractor dug out a ditch, leveled and smoothed existing gravel and will add several more loads of gravel to complete the project.

Lea asked for input from the commissioners about possible improvements to the RV park area. Commissioner Larry Bonds suggested creating something more desirable than the current gravel area.

Commissioner Brett Deaton cautioned that planting grass might make the area very muddy during spring salmon season, when the marina is at its busiest.

Lea added that strips of grass might alleviate mud issues, but pointed out that if the area was totally landscaped, it could not be used for overflow parking as it is on occasion. That means lost revenues for the port, said Lea.

Bonds suggested trees and picnic tables along the fence at the back of the RV area. Commissioner Gary Quigley said he would check into a possible source for fire pits.