Port 1 approves purchases, addresses launch slip issue

With two commissioners attending the Wahkiakum County Port 1 meeting remotely, it was up to Port Commissioner James Sorensen, who joined the board just last month, to take the lead.

Port Manager Todd Souvenir talked to the commissioners about new marina gear, which will be for sale, including hats, T-shirts, and sweatshirts with the marina logo. The commissioners were agreeable with Souvenir setting the rates for the items.

Souvenir said he had gotten three quotes for a new lawn mower/tractor. After some discussion, the commissioners approved the purchase of a $19,800 tractor from Cowlitz River Rigging.

“We will have many needs for it,” Commissioner Scott Anderson said.

Souvenir said he was working on the budget and rates for next year and a special meeting will be scheduled at a later date. He also said he would attend a Small Ports Conference in October. Anderson encouraged the new commissioner to attend as well.

Boat owners who power their boats on to their trailers, ignoring protocol and signage at the marina, continue to cause damage to the boat launch. Souvenir said that he had spoken to someone at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife about permitting and he was hopeful that the port would be able to repair at least half of the launch in early September.

“Hopefully we can do it,” Deaton said. “It’s a mess.”

The port plans to install power to river view spots and RV pedestals in the near future, to replace the spots they will be losing to parking for the new brewery. They will also need to move the A-frame cabins and eventually the fish cleaning station, which they hope to upgrade.

Souvenir said he was still awaiting bids for the project to replace C Dock.

“It’s definitely a project that is in the $225,000 to $300,000 range for the entire project,” he said, adding that the port may get a loan through the county to fund it.