PORT TOWNSEND — The Port of Port Townsend will spend nearly $200,000 on building repairs at Point Hudson during the next two years.
Port officials estimated repairs and upgrades to fix Point Hudson deficiencies could cost as much as $1.8 million.
“We don’t have $1.8 million to spend all at once,” Port Executive Director Larry Crockett said. “And even if we did, it wouldn’t be the smart thing to do with some of the buildings.”
All of the structures — which house restaurants and businesses — have outdated electrical, heating and plumbing systems, Crockett said. He noted that most also have lead paint and asbestos insulation.
Most of the asbestos insulation is in good shape and does not pose a health risk, although river otters living under the buildings tend to pull it down to make nests, Crockett said.
The figure does not include dock repairs.
The Port resumed management of Point Hudson on April 1 after a 40-year lease with a private company expired.
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The rest of this story appears in today’s Peninsula Daily News Jefferson County edition. Click on “Subscribe” to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.