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

A full three-member Port District 2 board of commissioners on Tuesday adjusted use fees and approved borrowing for capital projects.

Port 2 Attorney Jennifer Hanigan administered the oath of office to Brian O'Connor, whom Wahkiakum County commissioners last week appointed to fill a year-old vacancy on the port commission.

O'Connor joined Commissioners Carlton Appelo and Kayrene Gilbertsen in approving a capital project plan that will replace the office at Skamokawa Vista Park, upgrade park restrooms, and add three yurts to the park's camping facilities.

Marketing Director Karen Bertroch reported that the port could use $15,000 in federal grant funds. $10,000 in budgeted funds, and a $75,000 commercial loan to finance the project.

Manager Steve McClain reported the port already has a loan to cover construction of Svensen Park. The monthly payment is $2,400. Borrowing an additional $100,000 would boost that payment to $3,300.

McClain said the bathrooms date from the construction of the park almost 30 years ago. Roofs and plumbing leaks need attention, he said.

Bertroch added that the park office, the old Skamokawa Library building, is cramped could be replaced with a park model office. There would also be enough funds to construct three more yurts.

McClain reported that people are now using the new Svensen Park boat launch on Puget Island. Construction isn't complete; restrooms and landscaping remain to be completed, and there is a need for painting lines for parking places.

McClain said he would install a box for depositing payments for launching.

The commission discussed extensive revisions to the rate schedule and voted to set a $50 annual launching fee for ramps at Svensen Park or at Vista Park. Individual launches will be $5 at Svensen Park and $3 at Vista Park. Commissioners also agreed to add sales and other taxes to all fees. In the past, the fees have included the taxes.

Gilbertsen also suggested advertising for park hosts to reside at the two parks. Their presence should cut down vandalism, she said, and they could assist in collecting fees or assisting park patrons in other ways.

Bertroch announced she was planning volunteer clean up day on April 4 at Vista Park. Park patrons are invited to come for a volunteer work party. The port will provide lunch, she said.