Port District 1 hears variety of reports

Wahkiakum County Port 1 Commissioners met quickly for their July meeting last Thursday to hear reports.

Commissioner Scott Anderson mentioned that he had recently attended a seminar in Chehalis on broadband. It resulted in a conversation on the topic.

“I think it is one of the only ways you’re going to get big business,” Port Manager Jackie Lea said.

“I haven’t talked to anybody in the community that hasn’t thought it would be good for them and the community,” Commissioner Bob Kizziar added.

According to the manager’s report:

• Assistant Port Manager Todd Souvenir has installed eight of the solar lights received from the Wahkiakum County EMS and Trauma Council. The lights will draw attention to dock ladders at night and were provided to improve safety around the marina.

• The port is having ongoing problems with theft at the rock pit, where some trucks and boats are being stored. Staff hopes to alleviate the problem by relocating the vehicles to another location on port property.

• Lea will work with Counsel Tim Hanigan to draw up a contract that will be used when the port begins leasing the dredge.

• Lea is also working with someone from Maul, Foster & Alongi to modify the port’s permit to extend the dredge area in the marina.

• A $9,000 grant from the Marine Resources Committee was approved at their June meeting. The grant was requested by Lea and will help fund a pre-dredge sounding of the marina and Elochoman Slough.

Administrative Assistant Mackenzie Jones gave an update on the farmers market. The circle has been expanded with the purchase of another sail, and music has been moved to the center. The market is averaging about 9-10 vendors, but Jones was hopeful about the future. She said that the vendors she had spoken to in Astoria were pleased to hear there was a market here, but their schedules were already full this year.

“Now that they know, hopefully we can get on their list of markets that they are attending,” Jones said.

“I’ve come every week, and there have been a lot of smiles,” Kizziar said.