Port 1 receives safety supply grant

Commissioners of Port District 1 discussed the concession stand, plans for the RV sewer dump and other issues at their August meeting last Thursday.

Commissioner Bob Kizziar’s grant writing efforts were rewarded with a grant from the Wahkiakum County Marine Resources Committee in the amount of $7,000. The money will go toward safety ladders and fire extinguishers at the Elochoman Slough Marina. With input from the local fire department, the Cathlamet Yacht Club has offered to install the new equipment.

“That’s a good thing you did,” Commissioner Gary Quigley said. Commissioner Larry Bonds agreed, and Kizziar thanked Port Manager Jackie Lea and her assistant LeAnne Jacob for their assistance with the grant.

David Vik is working on drawings for the new sewer dump, according to Lea, and she will soon be sending out requests for proposals as the port moves forward with dredging plans.

Citing service, the port has decided to switch banks from the Bank of America to the Bank of the Pacific. Commissioners passed a resolution that will allow Lea to obtain new credit cards for the port.

“It wasn’t this branch that did anything wrong,” Lea said of Bank of America.

In a bid for work, the Cowlitz County Corrections Department recently approached the port district with a proposal that some of their crews visit the marina.

“It’s not as free as it appears,” Port 1 Counsel Tim Hanigan said. “There is the initial paperwork, monthly paperwork and orientation.”

None of the commissioners expressed any interest in the proposal and they moved on to other business.

Local residents Jon and Christine Randall are moving forward with the purchase of the Bottoms Up Espresso building at the port. Counsel Tim Hanigan and Port Manager Jackie Lea are drawing up a lease for the new owners.

The next Port 1 meeting is scheduled for September 11.