PORT ANGELES — Port of Port Angeles buildings have a 96 percent occupancy rate, Director of Economic Development Caleb McMahon told commissioners.
Renewal of the Composite Recycling Technology Center’s 15-year lease on 26,000 square feet of space at the Port Angeles Airport Business Park on 18th Street contributed to the port continuing to keep its leased commercial space occupied, commissioners learned on Tuesday.
The three commissioners approved the lease that will have CRTC paying 43 cents per square foot for the warehouse space it needs to accommodate its expansion into production of composite laminated timber. McMahon said the rate represents a discount on the fair market value of 47 cents per square foot because CRTC had invested about $78,000 in upgrades to the space.
With rent and taxes, CRTC will pay $12,615.51 a month when the new lease commences on Monday.
Meanwhile, the port’s January and February revenues were less than expected, primarily due to a lack of log ships into the marine terminal, said John Nutter, director of finance and administration.
That situation was anticipated to change, and a full load of logs was being handled at the terminal, he said.
Revenues from Port Angeles Boat Haven and John Wayne Marina also were down, which Nutter attributed to the seasonal nature of moorage. Demand for those facilities peaks from April to September, he said.
The possible closure of the City of Port Angeles’ Ediz Hook boat launch for necessary repairs could divert vessels to Boat Haven, and it could benefit the port.
“People are worried about getting their boat in the water,” Nutter said.
Executive Director Paul Jarkiewicz suggested that, moving forward, the port might want to look at historical patterns of revenue and expenses when developing its annual budget to account for seasonality and other factors. Its current practice of taking the annual budget assumption and dividing it by 12 doesn’t always reflect fluctuations that impact its business operations, he said.
In other port news, Jarkiewicz said he has been nominated to serve on the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee, a non-federal body that advises the U.S. Department of Transportation on issues related to maritime transportation. The role would require him to participate in two virtual meetings annually and travel to Washington, D.C., four times a year. Advisory committee members represent, among others, the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach, the Port of New York & New Jersey and the U.S. Coast Guard.
“It provides us with a presence in D.C. on a regular basis and puts us in the mix of hearing ideas as they’re coming forth, rather than waiting to hear about later,” Jarkiewicz said.
Commissioners agreed it is important Port Angeles be represented at the national level on a regular basis.
“It’s a way for small ports to have a large voice,” Commissioner Connie Beauvais said.
In a separate presentation to commissioners, Chris Boyd and Randy Volker of the Port Angeles Yacht Club said membership has climbed past pre-COVID numbers to more than 185. The club’s annual swap meet is at 8 a.m. Saturday. Seller booths are $10. For more information, call 360-457-4132 or email info@payc.org.
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Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
