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Voters OK pier maintenance levy

“I want to thank the voters of Point Roberts,” said Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce pier committee member Terrie LaPorte, celebrating a solid win at the polls for the Point Roberts special recreation district that will generate funds to maintain a pier at the end of Gulf Road if and when one is built.

Just over 60 percent of voters approved the creation of the district, which can now go back to the voters to ask for tax dollars. “After we find our construction funds and before we accept them we’ll probably go for a levy,” LaPorte told the November 12 annual meeting of chamber members. Establishment of the levy itself would require a 60 percent “supermajority” voter approval.

LaPorte said the next step would be to work with the Port of Bellingham to find the grant funding to build the pier, and to continue to build public support for the project. “In the very short future I think we’ll see a sign up there ­ future home of the Point Roberts pier,” she said. A contest to name the pier is also planned.