PORT TOWNSEND — Port of Port Townsend officials are applauding a bill signed by Gov. Gary Locke this week that creates a fund to pay for removal of derelict and abandoned boats.
The legislation, which calls for a $2 increase in annual vessel registration fees starting in 2003, will provide money for ports that get stuck with abandoned boats and their often costly cleanup.
Port of Port Townsend officials were responsible for pushing the derelict vessels issue into the spotlight in 1999 after the 147-foot fish processing boat Palisades was found drifting in Port Townsend Bay.
Port Executive Director Larry Crockett brought the problem to the Washington Public Ports Association, part of the process which led to a bill sponsored by local representatives and signed by Gov. Locke last April.
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