Port of Camas-Washougal in a ‘strong financial position’ heading into 2025

WASHOUGAL — The Port of Camas-Washougal will enter 2025 in “a strong financial position,” according to port Commissioner Larry Keister.

“The port is growing, and it is important that money is available for new projects as the economy (changes) and business demands arise,” Keister said.

Port commissioners will vote on the final budget after a public hearing Nov. 20.

Keister said he and commissioners John Spencer and Cassi Marshall have been more involved in the 2025 budget process than they were in previous years.

“In the past, the staff gave the commission the budget with a recommendation to approve. Now we are involved with developing the budget from the start,” he said. “This team effort gives the commission and staff the opportunity to discuss where the commissioners would like to go, and the staff can discuss how we can get there.”

As with all previous budgets, the port will use property taxes for capital projects, with $6.14 million in operating revenue funding an estimated $5.7 million in operating expenditures, according to the port’s website.

Net income is estimated to be $457,457, a slight increase over its projected 2024 figure of $381,667.

“We’ve always had a goal of $250,000 for net income, which seems very, very small,” Finance Director Krista Cagle said during the port commission’s Oct. 2 meeting. “So as a team, we decided, ‘Well, what if we made that goal 10 percent of operating revenue?’ So for next year, that goal would actually be $614,000, so we’re just shy of that.”

The port is projecting Grove Field will bring in $714,000 in 2025 (11.6 percent of total revenues); Parker’s Landing Marina will generate $1.5 million (25 percent); real estate will bring in $3.9 million (63 percent); and parks and general administration will bring in $35,000 (0.7 percent).

The port expects to spend $1.067 million on 28 capital projects, including 35th Street rehabilitation, energy efficiency at the industrial park, and the design and construction of a new sign for the front of its administrative office.

Cagle also presented a list of the port’s 2025 goals, which include:

• Community outreach events including a July concert, Wings and Wheels in August and participating in the city of Washougal’s Harvest Festival in October.
• Reviewing the five-year capital plan and developing a long-term capital improvement plan and advocating for additional funding from the state for the 41st Street construction project.
• Continuing discussions with American Cruise Lines about potential dock renovations and looking for additional tourism opportunities.
• Working with RKm Development on the first phase of construction on Hyas Point at the waterfront.
• Continuing urban growth boundary expansion discussions regarding Grove Field.

“Our focus for the near future is the development of 41st Street,” Keister said. “This connection between Grant and Lincoln streets will open up 12 buildable lots and 32 acres for future development at the east end of Steigerwald Commerce Center. With views of the wetlands, the Steigerwald Wildlife Refuge, the dike trail and Mount Hood, this property would be excellent for a diverse business development.”

To view the port’s 2025 preliminary budget, visit clbn.us/portofcw2025budget.