Port 2 raises sand price

Commissioners of Port District No. 2 voted Tuesday to increase the price of sand they sell at Skamokawa Vista Park.

The port has been selling sand for $2.25 per cubic yard for several years.

Commissioners learned this fall that the price hardly covered their expenses, which includes an 80 cent royalty to the Department of Natural Resources, which claims ownership of the dredge spoil sand.

A survey of companies selling sand showed retail prices ranging from $16-42 per cubic yard. Commissioners settled on a new price of $4.50 per cubic yard, or $20 for a pickup load.

Manager Janet Bryan reported the Employment Security Department (ESD) is fining the port $5,332 for failing to make up a missed unemployment withholding payment.

Bryant explained that the port missed the payment some time ago, and ESD claims they never received a make-up payment. New auditor Sharon Mast is making the payment and seeking a waiver of the penalty, Bryan said.