Port District 2 okays budget, new office

Commissioners of Port District No. 2 last week approved a $227,300 budget for 2013.

The budget includes funding for a new office for the port district.

The port has used a building owned by the now-defunct Skamokawa Park and Recreation District as its office on the edge of the port's Skamokawa Vista Park.

Port officials say the office is run down and inadequate for office needs.

Commissioners agreed to proceed with purchase and installation of a park model building as the new office. The building would be located inside the park, and if the district can build a stick-built building for an office, the park model could become quarters for campers.

Estimated cost of the building is $29,995.

In other business:

--Commissioners approved a suggestion from consultant Bill Chamberlain to add a 3,000 storage tank to the park water system.

The tank would double the park's storage capacity, Chamberlain said.

Commissioners said the extra capacity is needed. In summer, they said, consumption can nearly empty the system.

"I think we need to expand the water system if we ever want to expand the park," said Commissioner Brian O'Connor.

"I think we need to do it now so we're ready for next summer," said Commissioner Kayrene Gilbertsen.