Gilbertsen resigns seat on port board

Commissioners of Port District 2 discussed plans for a boat ramp and had a resignation when they met Tuesday.

Commissioner Kayrene Gilbertsen announced her resignation effective August 31. She plans to marry soon and move to Clark County.

Gilbertsen's term of office ends this year, and she isn't seeking re-election. Puget Island residents John Nelson and Lee Tischer filed for the office, and the winner of the election will take office as soon as the general election results are certified in November.

Commissioners said they would advertise for people interested in filling the position.

Gilbertsen commented that she is very proud of the progress the port district has made in the past few years. Early in her career, it was in debt, and now it's in sound financial shape. She complimented her colleagues on what has been accomplished and said she has really enjoyed the experience.

In other business, commissioners agreed to explore with the Columbia River Estuary Study Taskforce (CREST) the possibility of improving or adding a nboat ramp in the Skamokawa area. The port manages a ramp near the highway bridge, but it is often silted over and in poor shape in general.

A representative from CREST said there are state grant funds available for recreational projects such as boat ramps; with applications due next spring.