Port commission supports Cathlamet wi-fi proposal

Wahkiakum County Port 1 Commissioners adopted three resolutions and received an update on ongoing work and activities around the port property.

In quick succession, commissioners approved a resolution to adopt the 2021 budget, totaling $938,201 in revenues and expenses, including $251,951 planned for capital outlay; a resolution authorizing and amending a rate schedule for 2021; and a resolution to increase their tax levy by one percent.

Maintenance Manager Todd Souvenir said that the port, along with other local entities, had been invited to participate in a project to increase public wi-fi in Cathlamet.

The goal of the project is to set up the wi-fi at the new parking lot planned in Cathlamet and to extend it from the school down to the marina, he explained, with money for the infrastructure coming from the port and other local governmental entities.

“I think the big advantage for us right now would be that our current wi-fi to our cabins is not the best,” Souvenir said. “It would increase our service to our customers up there, and to the yurts.”

All three commissioners expressed interest.

According to Port Manager Jackie Lea’s report, a sounding of the Elochoman Slough Marina and the Elochoman Slough was completed by the dredge crew. After viewing results, they believed there was no need to dredge this year. Instead, they plan to “fire up the dredge” to see if any maintenance is needed before getting it ready for the winter months.

The port also reached out to the Town of Cathlamet and thanks to some CARES Act funds, they were able to secure 200 masks, two gallons of hand sanitizer, a sneeze screen and a no touch thermometer.