Port 1 rejects electric station, waterfront park idea

Last Thursday, Wahkiakum County Port 1 Board of Commissioners discussed charging stations, leases, and whether or not port property would be included in plans for a waterfront park.

In recent months, the Wahkiakum County PUD had approached a few entities, including the port, about an opportunity to obtain electric vehicle charging stations through grants. Initially, it was thought that the grants might cover all the costs, but it turned out that there would be a $6,000 expense for a mid range charging station.

Because of the expense and with current concerns about the economy, the commissioners decided to pass.

The commissioners also discussed how to handle the four leases held by three local businesses and approved a refund for a customer who no longer needed his storage unit, but had paid for the year in advance.

In 2016, the Town of Cathlamet began planning for a waterfront park on the site of the former sewage ponds, knowing that some of the property belonged to Port 1.

Earlier this year, Port Maintenance Manager Todd Souvenir put up posts to mark the port property line. Since then, Port Manager Jackie Lea said she had been approached by several people on the town council wondering if the port wanted to be involved in the park.

“They didn’t realize we had so much property over there,” Lea said, “and part of the plan is on our property. Basically, they just want to know if we want to go in with them.”

“I don’t think we’re in business to build a park,” Commissioner Scott Anderson said. “We’re in the business of building business for our community. I love the idea of their park. They can have a park and we can have businesses that abut it and enhance their park.”

The other commissioners agreed.

According to the manager’s report, Port 1 took over County Line Park on April 2. Port 1 staff are continuing to make plans for a Farmers Market on May 22, but are considering safer options like a drive through event for customers and vendors during the current coronavirus health crisis.