Port to purchase shoreline property at former Hambleton Lumber site

The Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioners plan to spend $6.07 million in reserves, to purchase 13.25 acres in shoreline property at the former Hambleton Lumber Company site.

During their meeting Tuesday night, the commissioners unanimously authorized Port Executive Director David Ripp to execute a purchase and sale agreement with Killian Pacific.

A portion of the land purchase at 335 S. “A” St., Washougal, includes the waterfront area to create a public trail.

“This parcel will enable the port to directly connect our existing land to the east and provide a way for the community to enjoy amenities along the length of the port-owned waterfront,” Ripp said.

The former lumberyard is designated commercial. In all, the property sale from Hambleton to Killian Pacific totals approximately 26.5 acres. The port is purchasing one-half of the parcel, including rights to tideland leases and the associated uplands area.

Lance Killian said Killian Pacific intends to continue to collaborate with the port on the eventual development of the area.

“We look forward to finding the right balance between market and community needs and contributing to enhancing the community through the development of this property,” he said in a press release.

Killian Pacific is a commercial real-estate development and investment company located in Portland and Vancouver.

The purchase and sale agreement with the port is contingent upon the execution of a settlement agreement with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Liberty Mutual will pay the port $256,142 to help cover the costs of cleaning up the site.

Ripp said Wednesday the port will apply for a grant from the State Department of Ecology to assist with cleanup costs.

The contamination involves oil-based products.

“Fortunately, the contamination is only in the soil,” Ripp said.

In July 2011, the port received a $200,000 Integrated Planning Grant from the Department of Ecology to determine what environmental cleanup may be required.

The port commission is expected to approve the legal description of the purchase site during a special meeting Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m., in the port office meeting room, 24 S. “A” St., Washougal.