Port 2 board dropping fairgrounds proposal

Commissioners of Port District 2 on Tuesday said they won't pursue a suggestion that the port take over management of Wahkiakum County's fairgrounds.

The port and county commissions started discussing the possibility in January, with the idea that the port could manage the property as it manages one of its parks and generate revenue and support economic development through that management.

However, supporters of the county fair objected, saying port management could interfere with their fund raising and other activities.

And county commissioners gave a cold shoulder to the port's initial written proposal that asked for ownership of the property and five years of $10,000 payments to support upgrades for existing problems.

At the port commission meeting Tuesday, both Commissioners Lori Scott and Kayrene Gilbertsen said they wouldn't pursue the proposal any further.

"I was disappointed the fair board wasn't receptive to our proposals," Scott said. "I think we could have been a lot of help for the fair board and the fair grounds. Their fundraising could have gone into their programs instead of maintenance."

Gilbertsen commented that one of the stated purposes of the fair is to benefit youth, and given the extent of fair facilities, one should ask what more could be done.

Port Commissioner Brian O'Connor was absent from the meeting.