PORT TOWNSEND — With the state retaining ownership of its parks thanks to an “opt out” proposal to raise public donations, the Port of Port Townsend officially opted out of efforts to acquire the Old Fort Townsend State Park, unanimously voting Monday to write state officials about their decision.
The port commissioners approved a letter to state parks Superintendent Rex Derr, stating that the port withdraws its offer to take over Old Fort Townsend.
The decision comes as a result of legislative action supporting an “opt out” measure giving motorists the opportunity to donate $5 to state parks when they renew their auto registrations.
Officials estimate that the option could generate up to $27 million a year, which would be solely budgeted for parks maintenance and operation.
The move will save more than 30 state parks on a list for closures or transfers to local agencies.
“It would have ended up costing us just to run it,” said port Commissioner Dave Thompson.
The Legislature approved the opt-out measure last month after grappling with budget cuts to balance a projected $5.1 billion state deficit.
The measure takes effect Sept. 1.
The proposed 2009-2011 budget released by Gov. Chris Gregoire asks State Parks to take a $23 million budget cut, mostly in staffing and operations.
Parks officials have proposed the closure or transfer of ownership of more than 30 state parks, including Old Fort Townsend, the nearly 800-acre Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island and Bogachiel State Park south of Forks in Clallam County.
Answering the call, the port came forward, expressing interest in Old Fort Townsend.
No entity came forward for Fort Flagler or Bogachiel state parks.
Should the opt-out measure fail to generate the needed state revenue, the port may reconsider taking over Old Fort Townsend.
The parks system laid off 37 employees last week and had already lost many positions through attrition.
Derr said in an e-mail last week that the state parks and recreation commission “shall actively pursue transferring ownership of state parks to local governments, tribes or other entities that have expressed an interest in operating the park.”
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
