Port 1 considering proposals for Johnson House, barge dismantle

The Wahkiakum County Port 1 Board of Commissioners discussed the 2020 budget and rates and a variety of other issues at their meeting last Thursday.

According to Port Manager Jackie Lea, more interest had been expressed in dismantling barges at the port. However, she had learned that the port would need a shipyard permit.

“I think it would be a stream of revenue in the winter, and it would only be done in the winter,” she said. “Let’s look into it and see how much it costs and how painful it will be.”

The commissioners encouraged her to pursue the matter.

Lea said she had been approached by County Commissioner Mike Backman about the Johnson House.

“He thinks that perhaps we could buy the house and be there for several years,” she said. “Not the property. I thought if you were the least bit interested in doing that, we could buy it for a small sum, we could use it, lease it, rent it, for a period of time.”

“Keep the dialogue open,” Commissioner Bob Kizziar suggested.

Commissioners were asked to endorse a grant request for Chinook Heritage Trail signage at Queen Sally Park and at the marina, which is part of a campaign to acknowledge “the indigenous tribal history of our area” and the “unique Chinookan Tribal heritage of our county.” Kizziar and Commissioner Scott Anderson voted to support the effort and a letter of approval will be drafted by staff.

Commissioner Brett Deaton voted against, his concern arising from the fact that the tribe had not been recognized by the United States government.

Talk turned to vehicle charging stations.

Anderson suggested that the port talk to the PUD about installing one on port property, and Lea said she would reach out to the PUD general manager.

According to the port district financial statement, the port saw a decrease of $9,003.90 for the month of September, bringing their cash balance to $339,209.24.

The commissioners approved a resolution to authorize and amend the rate schedule, which includes increases in winter rates for cabins, for storage units, the annual launch fee, and new charges for water and garbage. They also approved a resolution adopting a $916,634 budget for 2020, and a resolution authorizing a one percent increase in the regular property tax levy for the district.