Port of Allyn discusses harbor improvements

Kirk Boxleitner | Sep 14, 20230

The Port of Allyn’s special meeting Aug. 24 saw port officials and port district residents comment on the port’s comprehensive plan for harbor improvements, with Port Commissioner Ted Jackson suggesting that broadband expansion be added to the community survey regarding the plan.

Jackson recommended a specific grant writer for his fellow commissioners to meet, and Port Executive Director Lary Coppola agreed a lot of unclaimed grant money is available that could help the port’s work on its infrastructure.

Commissioner Judy Scott suggested removing the sports complex from the comp plan because she said she doesn’t see that happening within the next five years.

It was noted that the sports complex has been the community’s first choice in previous surveys, and that sports tourism could create an economic development driver.

The consensus was to leave the sports complex in the comp plan, but move it down the list.

Port staff are working to generate surveys that can be handed out at public places, which the public would be able to return via mail, while the survey would also be posted and promoted through the portofallyn.com website and its Facebook page.The port is waiting to hear from the state Recreation and Conservation Office whether electric vehicle charging stations could be incorporated into Kayak Park, while Scott called for the port to own and operate a commercial and/or light industrial park.

Coppola expressed interest in exploring the port establishing a shooting range at the abandoned public utility district building and property on state Route 3, and credited Maintenance Supervisor Don O’Keefe with suggesting the location.

Moving onto Sweetwater Park, Coppola said the cost of the project has tripled since the port started working with The Salmon Center in Belfair to pursue money for the park, and while it’s qualified for Recreation and Conservation Office money in the past three rounds, the approved list of projects hasn’t been funded.

Coppola suggested The Salmon Center could work with Mason County or one of the tribes, instead of the port, so that the project doesn’t die. Jackson and Commissioner John Sheridan touted the park as a needed green space in north Mason County.

Coppola also reminded commissioners of his impending retirement, and the need to hire a new executive director for the port.

Area resident Ken VanBuskirk criticized the meeting for not being advertised enough to attract more members of the public, and also voiced support for pursuing broadband, the sport complex and an industrial park. He added that “I and others” would like to see the Sweetwater Park project removed from the comp plan.

VanBuskirk also mentioned the Route 3 widening project would have a significant effect on stream restoration.