Port preps for summer

The Wahkiakum County Port 1 Board of Commissioners increased the manager’s salary, approved a free launch day, and heard about activity at the Elochoman Slough Marina at their meeting last Thursday,

In their first order of business, the board adopted a resolution to give the port manager a seven percent raise, which brings Todd Souvenir’s salary to $71,508.53, effective June 1.

They also approved a free launch day in support of the Wounded Warriors event on August 31. The launch will be free for all visiting the marina that day.

Souvenir said that the Cathlamet Yacht Club offered to purchase a sink for the marina, and he proposed to install it in the location of a now defunct water fountain near the barbecue area.

“It makes sense for the barbecue area,” Souvenir said. “We’ll have to figure out the plumbing piece of it, but it solves a problem for us.”

Souvenir said he submitted an application to the local Marine Resources Committee for a $10,000 grant to continue a paving project at County Line Park. The project is expected to cost $15,000 and Souvenir hopes Wahkiakum County Commissioners will agree to split the remaining cost with the port.

The port is getting ready for the big Bald Eagles Day event in July. They’ve been weeding and mowing, painting parking lines, and updating a flower bed in front of the office.

Administrative Assistant Mackenzie Jones gave an update on the farmers market.

“It’s been a really good two weeks,” Jones said, with 21 vendors the first week and 18 the next one. Produce was provided by the Cathlamet Market on the second Friday and they sold out of a lot of items, she added.

The summer fishing season is starting June 16, and the port is expecting to be really busy at the end of June and the beginning of July.

“We’re pretty booked,” Souvenir said.