Port of Olympia Seeks Public Comment on Strategic Plan

 

Above: This seagull told this reporter that he has already read the Port of Olympia's Vision 2025 - Strategic Plan Update, but found it woefully lacking in detail. When asked for specifics, he said he was especially concerned about their future gull management plans.

 

"I am very upset with the Port's current method of gull eradication, but I can't go to this week's public hearings. All the meetings are indoors, and I have no access to the internet or a phone. My only method of communication is to poop on their cranes. I have done that once, and I'll do it again, in hopes the Port Commissioners will get my message," said Mr. Seagull, earlier this morning.

Port of Olympia Seeks Public Comment on Strategic Plan Update

by Janine Unsoeld
www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

The Port Commission invites Thurston County citizens to provide input to the Port's draft of the Vision 2025: Strategic Plan Update 2013-2025. The draft plan is available for review on the Port website and comments will be taken until October 22. The 36 page plan features big print and several full page color pictures.

At a meeting on Wednesday of the Grand Mound Chamber of Commerce, Port staff updated chamber members on its goals and informed them of the strategic plan update and upcoming public open houses.

Port Commissioner Jeff Davis and Mike Reid, the Port’s development director, outlined the port's goals to dredge and clean up Budd Inlet, increase rail activity at the Marine Terminal by 25%, complete the revitalization of the East Bay District, develop the Swantown District, work with the City of Tumwater to generate 15 acres of commercial development and 30 acres of industrial development on Port owned Tumwater properties, increase port related direct jobs by 25%, invest in the community, increase public understanding of Port activities, and identify the Port's baseline carbon emissions and work to reduce or offset those emissions.

The public open houses are:

October 9, 5:00 -7:00 pm

*Presentation at 5:30 pm
Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Rd, Lacey

October 10, 7:00-9:00 pm

*Presentation at 7:30 PM
Airport Terminal Building, 7702 Terminal Street, Tumwater

October 11, 6:00-8:00 pm

*Presentation at 6:30 PM
The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia

Copies of the plan will be available at the open houses. The Port Commission is currently scheduled to make a decision on the plan at the November 5, 2012 Commission meeting.

For more information, go to www.portolympia.com or contact the Port at 915 Washington St NE, (360) 528-8000.