Port 1 commission discusses waterfront, cabins, and use of port property

Wahkiakum County Port 1 Commissioners discussed a variety of issues at their meeting last Thursday, including the waterfront, rates for the new A-frame cabins, and the use of some of their property near Una Avenue.

Port Manager Jackie Lea gave a quick overview of a recent meeting with the Town of Cathlamet and Wahkiakum County commissioners about the waterfront, and Port 1 Commissioner Scott Anderson, who had also been in attendance, shared some thoughts.

“The whole community needs to see some movement forward,” Anderson said. “They are starting to get the ball rolling again, we need to see the area cleaned up, we just need to see some movement. There are grants there … I understand that it’s a long drawn out process. I said the port is in a wait and see mode right now: How we can join our forces and help in the long run of developing our property and their property and make sure they sync together.”

Commissioner Brett Deaton responded, agreeing that they needed to work together but adding that the town’s goals and the port’s goals were a little different.

“We are walking into it slowly,” Lea said.

They discussed the waterfront in Kalama, potential issues with parking, and if there might be a way for a park to sustain itself.

“It should, otherwise it will just be a draw on somebody’s budget,” Deaton said.

Lea said she had spoken with the new owner of the property on the corner of Una Avenue and SR 4 after he cleared some of the land on the other side of Una, which belongs to the port.

She suggested to the commissioners that he might clear more of the land to use for extra parking and to add to his view.

“We are supposed to be a stimulus to the economy and the area,” Anderson said.”If we can help a business and it doesn’t cost us anything, I see it as a positive.”

Commissioners agreed that Lea should proceed with an agreement for use of the land.

With two new A-frame cabins nearly completed on the waterfront, the port is going to experiment with glamping. One cabin will be more rustic, while the other will have bedding and added amenities, which are still being determined.

After some discussion, commissioners agreed to set the rate for the regular cabin at $50 and $80 for the glamping cabin.

Commissioners discussed two bids the port had received to replace fuel lines and filters at the Elochoman Slough Marina. One bid was $3,153 to complete the project, and the second bid was more than twice as much.

Because the work is not pressing, Port Manager Jackie Lea suggested they continue to look for other potential bids. The commissioners agreed.

Commissioners will discuss the budget and rates for 2022 at the next meeting on Sept. 9.