Port Commission to discuss potential rate hikes for airport and marina leases

People who moor their boats at the Port of Camas-Washougal marina or store their airplanes at Grove Field Airport could face rental rate increases next year.
Port commissioners are expected to consider 4 percent rate increases for marina slips and hangar bay leases during their next regular meeting Tuesday, August 9, in the port meeting room, 24 S. “A” St., Washougal. Due to a scheduling conflict for one of the commissioners, the meeting will begin at 4 p.m., instead of 5 p.m.
During the July 19 commission meeting, Port Finance Director Kim Noah said rate and fee determination factors include market value, demand and following the port’s strategic plan and operating budget policies.
The strategic plan mentions managing operations, capital facilities and lands “in a manner that strives to generate sufficient revenues to offset operating expenses.”
A survey of area marinas by port staff indicates lease rates for uncovered slips at the Port of C-W currently range from $104.25 to $176.75, while slips at Steamboat Landing in Vancouver rent for $150 to $265. The rates for uncovered slips at Columbia Crossings marina, in Portland, range from $182 to $300, compared to $260 to $484 at RiverPlace Marina, near downtown Portland.
During public comments, Don Esson, a Camas boater, said the Port of C-W marina cannot be compared to RiverPlace.
“At RiverPlace, there is walking, talking security, and that marina is near theaters and restaurants,” he said. “It’s in a major metropolitan area.”
Esson said marinas in Kalama, Cathlamet and Ilwaco would be more comparable to the local marina.
The Port of C-W and Columbia Crossings marinas also have covered slips.
A survey of area airports shows the rental rates at Grove Field range from $183.50 to $336.50, compared to Pearson Airfield ($250 to $330), Scappoose Airpark ($139 to $217) and Portland-Troutdale Airport ($250.46 to $390).
In August 2015, Port Commissioners Bill Ward and Bill Macrae-Smith approved 3 percent increases for marina moorage and hangar bay rental rates.