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

Commissioners tackled some current issues at the Port District 1 meeting last Thursday and approved two resolutions, including a 2 percent raise for Port Manager Jackie Lea. Her annual salary was increased to $53,643.84.

A project to replace D dock hit a snag. The manufacturer had completed the dock and was ready to deliver and place it in the water.

Unfortunately, the port is in a holding pattern as they wait for a stamp of a approval from NOAA on a permit to do in water work. The last day that the port can install the dock in the Elochoman Slough Marina is February 28.

The dock manufacturer wants the completed dock off his property to make room for other projects.

Lea shared that the Army Corps of Engineers was willing to extend the port's in water work window as soon as NOAA signs off on the permit.

Commissioners agreed to allow the manufacturer to deliver the dock to the port and began to discuss with staff how they might get the dock in the water and assembled.

The dock was delivered on Tuesday and placed in the marina's parking lot.

Lea hopes to have the project completed before the spring fishing season begins in March.

The port has been on the lookout for a boat to move the new dredge, and recently someone suggested to Lea that they look into renting a boat for the short period of time each year that they would be able to do any dredging.

"I've never heard of such a thing, but that would be better," Commissioner Brett Deaton said.

Scott Anderson agreed and pointed out that they wouldn't have to maintain the boat all year round.

The commissioners encouraged Lea to look into it.

The port also plans to change the hydraulic system in the dredge to use a more environmentally friendly fluid.

The new option is expensive, Deaton pointed out.

"That's nothing compared to a spill with the fine and the clean up," he said. "I think it's something we should do."

The other commissioners and Lea agreed.

The commission also approved a resolution authorizing the adoption of an interlocal agreement with the Town of Cathlamet to deposit dredged material into the old sewer lagoons and authorized Lea to get a couple cell phones for port use.