Port 1 considering non-motorized launch

By Diana Zimmerman

Wahkiakum County Port 1 Commissioners discussed a non-motorized launch and other matters affecting the Elochoman Slough Marina at last Thursday’s meeting.

According to Port Manager Jackie Lea, a customer suggested that the port consider providing renewable diesel. Commissioners were amenable to a presentation from a distributor and Lea agreed to set it up for a later meeting.

Commissioner Bob Kizziar reported that representatives from the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership have been working on a plan for a non-motorized launch at the marina.

“It is something that is near and dear to my heart,” Kizziar said. “It’s been slowly moving along. They are going to draw up a semi-final plan for us and then give us some ideas for grants.”

Commissioners perused three designs for the launch which would be placed at a different spot in the marina than where the motorized watercraft are coming in and out of the water, making it safer for kayakers and paddleboarders. The designs included a structure to store the kayaks and paddleboards.

Lea pointed out that the partnership had received a grant to come up with the plans, and that it all had something to do with the Lower Columbia River Water Trail.

“The idea of the water trail, I believe, is to have overnight stops all along the lower Columbia here,” Kizziar said. “I think it would be great if we were one of those stops.”

“We’re just going to look for some money and see how much farther we can get with it,” Lea added.

The Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce will put on a Fall Derby, scheduled for August 23 and 24 as part of their contract with the port. A portion of the proceeds will go to a scholarship for a student graduating from Wahkiakum High School.

Because there are grants available to install an electric car charging station, Lea plans to look into the set up and cost of placing a station at the port.

Preliminary rate changes and a proposed budget of $907,674 for 2020 were presented to the commissioners for their consideration. They will be discussed at a future meeting.

Commissioners closed the meeting for an executive session to talk about property acquisition.