PORT TOWNSEND – Legislation proposed in the state Senate and House would allow state ports, such as the ports of Port Townsend and Port Angeles, to get involved in the tourism business – even provide lodging on port property.
“The more flexibility to help the economy, the better,” said port Executive Director Larry Crockett, referring to House Bill 1372 and corresponding Senate Bill 5339.
Among the sponsors is state Sen. Sherry Appleton, D-Poulsbo, whose 23rd District includes the city of Bremerton, where the city and port have worked together to further tourism-promoting facilities.
If approved as proposed in both state houses, the bill would grant ports municipal authority to acquire and operate tourism-related facilities.
It would also allow ports to promote resources and facilities by advertising, publicizing or distributing information to attract visitors and encourage tourism growth.
Crockett said the legislation would allow the Port of Port Townsend to building, own and operate tourism-related establishments such as hotels.
The port could also help build a visitors center, said Crockett.
The first committee hearing on the legislation was scheduled for today in Olympia.
Port of Port Townsend commissioners Chairman Bob Sokol called the legislation “a great opportunity for the community.”
“It’s an opportunity for somebody to come in and operate a business” on port property," Sokol said.
The port commissioners in the past 10 years have been instrumental in accelerating the marine trades at the port boat and ship yards, after development of heavy haulout for ships, and a stormwater treatment system at the Boat Haven and port industrial park.
Sokol was enthusiastic about the the chance of generating more sales and business-and-operations tax revenues through an expanded tourism economy.
“It increases the flexibility of the port to do things for the community,” Sokol said of the legislation.
