The Port of Astoria awaits a final consent decree from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the $200,000 in dredge fines levied against the port by various agencies including the Corps. Although the port has proposed performing mitigation in wetlands near the Shilo Inn in Warrenton to fulfill $150,000 of that fine, the work hasn’t taken place by the port since it’s not known if that will satisfy the Corps. The Division of State Lands and Clatsop County also claimed ownership of submerged lands there, further complicating the issue.
As we reported, then interim executive director Ron Larsen tentatively had recommended months ago to pay the $200,000 off in $50,000 increments over four or five years rather than pursue the uncertain mitigation. To date, the port commission has not taken formal action to decide the issue.
At this week’s regular port meeting, resident Ted Thomas asks when the port changed its mind about doing the mitigation. Executive director Jack Crider responds that the port hasn’t changed its mind and that options are still being considered. Thomas asks if the mitigation would affect Martin Nygaard’s proposed commercial development near the Shilo. Crider says he doesn’t think it will be a problem.
Martin Nygaard has not disclosed which specific business or businesses may locate there.
