PT Food Co-op announces $79k in available grants

The Food Co-op surpassed its fundraising goal and will distribute $79,276 as grants to local farmers in Jefferson County.

In 2024 the Farmer Fund awarded $12,500 in grants to several local farms, including Midori, White Lotus, Hopscotch, Woodbridge, Longhouse for the People First Foods Project, and Goosefoot.

“These grants enabled farmers to invest in infrastructure, expand operations, and enhance food production methods—fostering a resilient and sustainable agricultural future for our community,” wrote Andrea Stafford in her press release.

The Food Co-op invites farmers and food producers using local ingredients across Jefferson County to apply for this year’s grant cycle. The Farmer Fund Grant Program is designed to help local farmers and producers increase their capacity, bolstering the resilience of our community's food system. Funds may be used for such things as machinery, construction, supplies, infrastructure development, services, maintenance, or other resources necessary for strengthening the applicant’s business. Donations to the program are accepted at the register or online through the Co-op’s website and farmers have until November 30 to apply.

Managing dementia

The Port Townsend Senior Association is hosting a workshop from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 14. Dealing with Dementia is a free program open to all who are interested in understanding dementia, identifying and managing problem behaviors and how to manage the stress of being a caregiver. Pre-registration is required. Call 360.417.8540 to sign up and get more information. This program is held at the PT Community Center, 620 Tyler Street in Uptown.

Plant sale

Jefferson County Conservation District’s native plant sale is back this year with a wide selection of trees and shrubs. Details about plant offerings and pricing are posted on the district’s website at jeffersoncd.org.

Orders will be taken through November 22 while supplies last.

All ordering is done online by credit or debit card.  There will be no in-person sales on order pickup day.

Accommodations will be made for customers who are unable to order online or by credit or debit card. Contact the district at 360-385-4105, or email info@jeffersoncd.org for assistance.

The purpose of the plant sale is to facilitate ecological restoration and promote the planting of native trees and shrubs by making them readily available at low cost. To aid customers in their plant selection, bare-root plant care, planting and maintenance, the district plans to offer free workshops in November and January. Details are posted on the district’s website: jeffersoncd.org.

Sewer paving

County crews have finished installing sewer pipe in parts of the Port Hadlock core area with paving set to begin Nov. 6.

On the list of roads slated for paving are Masonic Hall Road, Matheson Street, Irondale Road, Alley Street, Curtiss Street, the trail to Ajax Cafe parking lot, Scott Road, and behind Kivley Center.

According to project documents, sewer line was installed southbound on the west side of Irondale Road from Matheson Street for approximately 375 feet, on Alley Street to Curtiss Street, then both east and west on Curtiss Street, south on Scott Road to an easement behind the Kivley Center. Where sewer line on Matheson meets Curtiss Street, a sewer line was placed both north and south on Curtiss Street and along a trail leading to the Ajax Cafe parking lot below.

Project area three and four are next on the list, with these phases including sewer lines installed along Cedar Street and Mason Street and a traverse across Ness’ Corner Road.

The Cedar and Mason Street lines will provide the necessary infrastructure for the Habitat for Humanity Mason Street project –  a 17-acre multi-family affordable housing project adjacent to the Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock.

As designed, and once complete, the membrane bioreactor treatment plant will be able to handle 90,000 gallons per day. County officials estimate plant completion in July 2025.

At nearly 20 years in the planning, county leadership has identified the sewer system as key to increased economic development in the Port Hadlock Urban Growth Area (UGA). When sewer construction is complete, the UGA will be able to support more housing, medical facilities, higher density multifamily residences, senior housing, as well as commercial and industrial development.

While planning has spanned nearly two decades, it came to fruition in 2021 with a $20 million legislative appropriation.