Port 2 OK's roofing, computer proposal

Commissioners of Port District No. 2 approved a bid to replace the roof at the former Skamokawa United Methodist Church building and also voted to support a proposal for creation of public computer facilities across the county.

The port has acquired the church building and is upgrading it to house offices, meeting space and other undetermined uses.

Roof repair will total $131,000. The project will include addition of insulation and a 50-year guarantee.

Commissioners signed a letter of support for Steve Carlson of Computer Link Northwest who is leading an effort to establish three community centers for public use of computers and the internet.

The centers would have staff and offer training.

Projects are underway to expand high speed internet around the county, Carlson said, "but a lot of people are challenged."

Possible sites include Johnson Park in Rosburg, the community center in Cathlamet, and the Appelo Center in Skamokawa.

Port commissioners like the idea. If successful, the grant money would provide equipment that could have long term benefit, they said.

Commissioners also approved a letter of support for Wahkiakum County to the US Army Corps of Engineers for a study of flooding issues in the Grays River Valley.

Monica Budd, executive director of the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce, reported on 2022 activities and described programs underway to support and expand county businesses. See story elsewhere in this issue.