Port of Port Townsend looks to centennial

Book, activities to mark 2024 anniversary

PORT TOWNSEND — Executive Director Eron Berg outlined plans for the Port of Port Townsend’s 100th anniversary in 2024 to commissioners.

“We’re going to begin shortly with some small programs as part of a plan for the next year,” he told commissioners at their workshop on Wednesday.

The port was formed by Jefferson County voters in 1924.

Plans include a book about the port’s first 100 years written by former Port Townsend Leader publisher Scott Wilson. The book will be about 200 pages and it will be equally divided between text and photographs using material from the port archives, the Jefferson County Historical Society and the Leader.

“We hope to have it published and ready for sale in the spring,” Berg said.

The plan is to have the book available at the Port Townsend Farmers Market, Airport Day at the Jefferson County International Airport, the Wooden Boat Festival and at other local events.

Among them will be the grand opening of the Point Hudson Marina in April to celebrate the completion of the north and south breakwater projects.

The port also is planning to host an event for former port employees and commissioners to acknowledge their contributions.

The Point Hudson breakwater project is expected to be completed on time in March even though the in-water work for rebuilding the south breakwater has been extended two weeks past the original Jan. 15 deadline, capital projects director and port engineer Matt Klontz said at the afternoon regular meeting.

Among the problems contractors have run into were laying armour stone to create a berm.

“Another challenge is not every pile is driving easily,” Klontz said. “They have driven 83 piles and three have encountered obstructions. But that’s to be expected with driving and they’re bringing in a new tool.”

Klontz updated commissioners on progress with the new A3 connector taxiway project at the airport.

It had received new markings and an area of the infield that used to pool with water is now dry due to stormwater improvements.

New signs are expected to be installed next week.

“I flew yesterday and could see where the drainage was,” Commissioner Pete Hanke said.

Short Farm

The port will host a tour of Short’s Farm on Jan. 17 that is open to the public.

In attendance will be port staff, the Short’s Farm steering committee and master’s students in the University of Washington School of Urban Planning who are assisting with the planning process. Port commissioners are also likely to attend.

The port purchased the 253-acre property in Chimacum in September for $1.4 million with the goal of helping support Jefferson County agricultural production and contributing to building a reliable food system.

Legislative session

Caron Cargill and Chelsea Hager of Insight Strategic Partners, the lobbying firm representing the port, presented via Zoom an overview of the upcoming 60-day legislative session in Olympia that runs from Jan. 8 through March 7.

Commissioners unanimously approved a list of legislative priorities that included capital budget requests for the Gardiner boat ramp, support for acquiring farmland and funding for aviation fuel tank removal and replacement.

Commissioners are particularly interested in pressing the state Legislature to fund the Department of Natural Resources’ Derelict Vessel Removal Program, which disposes of abandoned or derelict recreational and commercial boats that can pose danger to human safety or the environment.

Also during the meeting:

• Port staff led by operations manager Chris Sparks are in the process of replacing the 600-foot-long linear dock at Point Hudson.

Among the tasks is removal of old Styrofoam and tire floats and replacing them with more environmentally friendly floats.

• Hanke, who was first elected commissioner in 2014, said he would probably not be seeking a fourth term. His current term ends in December 2025.

________

Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Sunlight reflects off the skull of Gunther, the California gray whale carcass on display on the pier in Port Townsend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
The golden hour

Sunlight reflects off the skull of Gunther, the California gray whale carcass… Continue reading

The state is looking to turn Miller Peninsula, a 2,800-acre undeveloped park east of Sequim, into a destination state park with a visitors center, cabins, picnic areas and more. Some locals oppose the move. (Warren Wilson)
Opponents want park to stay day use

State updates plan for Miller Peninsula

Sequim staff plan to send a proposal to the state this month to potentially fund sewer and water lift stations on West Sequim Bay Road using new developments’ property taxes through a Tax Increment Area by Sequim Bay in a 363-acre area. It would require the city to prove that developments in the area wouldn’t happen without the stations. The city council also would have to approve it. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Sequim exploring funding mechanism to incentivize development

City would create district, repurpose tax dollars for lift stations

Fred Rix of Port Angeles, right, looks over floral arrangements with Ann O’Neill, an employee of Angel Crest Gardens of Port Angeles at a temporary stand at First and Race streets in Port Angeles on Valentine’s Day. Rix said he wanted roses for his wife, Wendy Rix, for their 55th wedding anniversary. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Valentine’s roses

Fred Rix of Port Angeles, right, looks over floral arrangements with Ann… Continue reading

Port Angeles-owned Lancashire Heeler “Ki” poses with handler and co-owner Chelsy Pendleton of Utah with their ribbon. Ki placed as Best of Opposite Sex at the 149th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
PA dog places at famous show

Lancashire Heeler wins ribbon at Westminster

x
Nominations open for Community Service awards

Forms due March 25; event scheduled for May 1

Poplars to be removed in spring

Boat Yard expansion part of larger project

Jeffco Aquatic Coalition launches pool survey

Results intended to inform design process

Voters approving all Peninsula school measures

Sequim bond passing with required supermajority

A snow-covered Mount Angeles is seen from Black Diamond Road a few miles south of Port Angeles. While the Peninsula has seen temperatures below freezing this week, a warming trend is expected by this weekend with highs reaching the upper 40s and overnight lows in the 30s. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Winter snowscape

A snow-covered Mount Angeles is seen from Black Diamond Road a few… Continue reading