Ports 1&2 enter service sharing

The Wahkiakum County Port District 1 Board of Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement, set rates for two new camping sites, and agreed that the annual Warrior and Widows Salmon Derby should be a free launch day for everyone.

Commissioners approved a resolution to enter into an interlocal agreement with Wahkiakum County Port District 2. This will allow the two ports to share services, such as grantwriting, employees, equipment and machinery rental and more.

It does not constitute a merger; each port will remain independent.

The port had been asked to submit a letter of support for the Wahkiakum Resource Action Plan. There was some discussion, but commissioners decided to table the matter until next month when Commissioner Bob Kizziar was in attendance.

“I have some reservations,” Commissioner Scott Anderon said. “I just don’t think it’s a good fit for the port.”

“I’m reluctant as well,” Commissioner Brett Deaton said.

Commissioners settled on a rate of $25 a night for the two new campsites on port property near the cabins.

“I think people will love them once they see them,” Port Manager Jackie Lea said.

A five year interlocal agreement that allows Port 2 to run County Line Park, which is in Port 1 jurisdiction, stated that Port 2 agreed to pay Port 1 an oversight fee of $1 a year.

Commissioners agreed to continue with the rate as is and no action was needed.

Lea reported that the Marine Resources Committee had awarded the port a grant to build a viewing deck.

“I mentioned I would like that to be the beginning of a dock or a pier,” Assistant Port Manager Todd Souvenir said, “and a representative from Fish and Wildlife said he would be really supportive of a pier and a dock. He said he would be supportive in a big way because of the lack of public access for fishing off the beach.”

“I’m all for a pier. A dock would be nothing but trouble,” Deaton said.

Administrative Assistant Mackenzie Jones, who organizes the Farmers Market, said that they had been averaging 12 vendors every week. She now plans to expand the event with a Trunk Sale, which has proved to be popular, adding it twice a month.