Port 1 commission drops plan for Johnson House

The Wahkiakum County Port 1 Board of Commissioners made a final decision on the Johnson House, approved a new policy to deal with abandoned or unauthorized property, and agreed to take over maintenance and operation of County Line Park last Thursday.

The commissioners had considered acquiring the Johnson House from the county, but last Thursday, they finally decided not to move forward with the notion.

“I see the upside,” Commissioner Scott Anderson said, “but I also see too much downside.”

There was some conversation about the possibility of purchasing park models as an alternative, but nothing was decided at that time.

Commissioners passed a resolution to adopt a policy that would allow them to impound any abandoned and unauthorized property left on their property. A notice regarding the new policy will be posted at both entrances.

Since 2013, Port 2 has been maintaining and operating County Line Park, which is within the boundaries of Port 1. At the time, both entities were agreeable with the arrangement, and an interlocal agreement was drawn up. On Thursday, the Port 1 commissioners unanimously passed a resolution to adopt an interlocal agreement with Port 2 that would terminate the previous contract. Port 1 will take over maintenance and operation of the park, with the provision that Port 2 would be responsible for the completion of a viewing deck construction project that is being funded by the Marine Resource Committee.

The new interlocal agreement was expected to be passed by the Port 2 Board of Commissioners at their next meeting.

Port 1 also approved a list of County Line Park rules and regulations.

After a group of fishermen arrived at the Elochoman Slough Marina at the end of February to camp and do a little fishing, Port Manager Jackie Lea said staff had been talking about doing something to entice fishermen to come early every year, possibly setting up a special rate.

After some discussion, commissioners encouraged Lea to move forward with the idea.

Lea also brought up a grant opportunity to put in a non-motorized ramp, after receiving an email about available grants. She was concerned that it might be a smaller amount than they had initially hoped for, but Anderson encouraged her to move forward anyway.

Finally, Lea said that David Olson from the Town of Cathlamet had approached the port to see if they would be interested in a partnership of some sort to purchase the Hawaiian Chieftain, a tall ship that is currently for sale.

There was some discussion, but port officials weren't interested.