PORT TOWNSEND — The Port of Port Townsend might one day hold down the fort.
Old Fort Townsend State Park could get a local government caretaker after all if the port chooses to take over maintenance and operations of the 367-acre park south of Port Townsend.
Port of Port Townsend Executive Director Larry Crockett last week sent a letter on behalf of the port commissioners, telling Washington State Parks Director Rex Derr that the port wished to express “our desire to explore the possibility of assuming control and operation of Old Fort Townsend State Park.”
Crockett and Port Commissioner John Collins said they both saw recreational revenue potential that would make the park’s maintenance and operation “cost neutral,” including improvements to recreational vehicle sites that could generate additional fees.
In 2002, Crockett said, the port invested about $50,000 in infrastructure improvements at the port-owned Point Hudson RV Park.
“We had that money back the first year,” Crockett said.
Collins sees the possibility of the port constructing a boat ramp at the park.
“There is an old military road leading down to the waterfront that could be used” with some improvements, Collins said.
He added that there are four state buoys offshore for overnight boaters.
“Obviously, we think it would be an advantage to the community in keeping it a functional park,” he said.
The park’s annual net operating cost is less than $85,000, state parks officials have reported.
Crockett said he plans to arrange a port commissioners tour of the park with Kate Burke, Fort Worden State Park superintendent, who also oversees Old Fort Townsend park for the state.
“We take $800,000 a year in taxpayers’ money,” said Crockett of the port, “and this is certainly for Jefferson County one of the state park jewels.
“So I think spending a little money on it is worthwhile, at least to study if it’s feasible” to take it over.
Crockett said he has already informed North Olympic Peninsula 24th District lawmakers of the port’s intentions.
Legislature mulling cuts
The fate of Old Fort Townsend State Park — which the state parks system proposes for a local ownership transfer to help save millions in park maintenance statewide — is before the state Legislature, grappling with budget cuts to balance a projected $5.1 billion deficit.
The proposed 2009-2011 budget released by Gov. Chris Gregoire asks state parks to take a 10 percent budget cut, or $10 million, mostly in staffing and operations.
Old Fort Townsend State Park, about 2 miles south of Port Townsend off state Highway 20, is one of 13 parks listed in the proposal.
Bogachiel State Park near Forks is the other state park in the North Olympic Peninsula listed for transfer.
The state Legislature is considering the possible cuts during the present legislative session.
A $3.5 million savings proposed by state parks would come from transferring 13 park properties in all to local governments and/or conservation partners or nonprofit organizations.
The parks department is freezing equipment replacement, closing one of four regional offices and reducing programs and staff at its headquarters to save another $6.5 million.
Although the state proposes that the county absorb the park into its system, Jefferson County commissioners have said the county faces its own financial troubles after budget cuts and layoffs late last year.
The county is not in a position to acquire and manage another park, they say.
The Fort Worden State Park Advisory Committee has already sent a letter to state parks officials and lawmakers, pleading with the state to maintain Old Fort Worden park in its budget.
Committee members said Old Fort Townsend is a good site for campers and RVers to go when the popular Fort Worden park is filled up during peak season.
Friends of Old Fort Townsend, a volunteer group, has contributed more than 3,000 hours discovering and cataloguing the park’s hidden ecological treasures.
Testimony on Thursday
Jefferson County Commissioner John Austin, D-Port Ludlow, said that he and several members of Friends of Old Fort Townsend State Park plan to testify Thursday afternoon in favor of preserving the park during a State Parks Commission hearing.
He said it has been figured that, if all 20 RV sites at the park were fully developed with utilities, between $90,000 and $120,000 would be generated in annual revenue.
Austin said he will ask that state parks consider the “Montana system” of generating parks revenue, in which motorists renewing their annual car license plate tabs could opt to donate $5 if they plan to use state parks.
“If 20 percent did not opt out, that would bring in $12 million a biennium,” Austin said.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
