Recently the Port of Port Townsend raised moorage rates using the logic that since there is a waiting list for slips, boaters would likely pay more for mooring.

This winter the boatyard was half empty, yet the port now proposes to increase haul-out and yard storage rates to increase revenue? My sales are down for the first time in eight years, and I do not think I can raise prices to solve this.

Financially strapped fishermen who have traditionally buoyed the slow season are finding cheaper alternatives. Mobile by nature, they can utilize facilities from northern California to Alaska. As the owner of Admiral Ship Supply, I know several of my customers have chosen the Oregon coast, Seattle and British Columbia’s Fraser River – all due to cost.

High rates keeping customers away are not limited to commercial clientele. A couple from Port Ludlow recently told me they wished to haul out here, but wintered their boat in Anacortes because rates were so much lower, despite travel costs.

Using an industrial development district [IDD] to fund the critical capital projects that need to be addressed after years of neglect merits consideration. However, before funds are solicited from the community, let’s fully utilize the full economic potential of the facilities we have by filling up the yard.

If the IDD is implemented, maybe we can address the main complaint of my customers, the ever-present dust due to the lack of paving.

ROBERT FRANK

Port Townsend