Port 2 "goes big" on grants

Wahkiakum County Port 2 continues to look for ways to encourage small local businesses.

Along with the new business incubators at the Appelo Annex and a grant workshop to help small business owners scheduled for the end of January, Port 2 Manager Sam Shogren has reached out mentoring organizations like the Small Business Development Centers and SCORE to talk about opportunities.

At the December meeting with Port 2 commissioners, the conversation turned to potential grants. Shogren plans to seek a historic preservation grant to address more renovations at the Appelo Annex, and he suggested that the port ask for a direct appropriation from the Washington State Legislature to be used for additional yurts.

“If we get the funding,” he said, “we could see over $41,000 in increased revenue for the port each year.”

Shogren has also been talking to a local landscaper about the costs of improving the large field at Vista Park after learning that there was a grant available to refurbish athletic fields.

“You definitely want to go big on those things,” Commissioner Brian O’Connor said.