The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Wahkiakum PUD Manager Dave Tramblie on Tuesday informed the board of the Puget Island Diking District’s intent to start dredging the area on Grove Slough.

Bonneville Power Administration has agreed to offset some of the district's construction costs based on energy savings that would occur at the completion of the project. No final decisions have been made until exact costs have been determined.

Tramblie said he spoke with Port I commissioners at the Elochoman Marina regarding the removal of overhead conductor. “The Port seems willing to entertain the project, but it’s subject to further negotiations,” Tramblie said.

The project would help with marina aesthetics and an underground line could be used to feed load at the marina. “I’m hoping it’s a win-win for both the Port and the PUD, but we will see how it goes.”

In other business, Auditor Erin Wilson reported she met with Mary Vik and Chris Holmes of Health and Human Services regarding energy assistance for customers. She said she was informed a program can easily be administered, however, after her own research found that while the PUD can solicit funds for donation, they can only be used for qualified low income customers.

Anyone wishing to donate can contact Vik and they can specify what the donations are for if they wish. If customers don’t wish a donation to go to a low income program, they can specify it to go to Community Outreach and Referral.

The PUD will provide and set up a 40 foot pole at the River Street Building with ham radio antennas for the Emergency Operations Center in case of county emergencies.

“I think this is an opportunity for the PUD, as a community service, to provide the pole at no cost to this group,” Tramblie said.

There are several CFL light bulb kits remaining at the PUD office. Wilson reported Lia Sealund suggested a drawing to determine who shall receive the kits. In upcoming bills, customers will notice an entry form to fill out and return to the PUD office. A drawing to determine the winners will take place after a complete billing cycle takes place. Approximately 120 kits will be given away.