Residents tell Port commissioner Lighthouse Park needs a dock

During the question-and-answer portion of the Point Roberts Taxpayers Association annual general meeting on July 9 at The Reef, resident Renée Coe urged newly elected Port of Bellingham Commissioner Carly James to pursue the Port of Bellingham taking over maintenance and operations of Lighthouse Park to facilitate construction of a public dock and boat launch.
Coe cited RCW 53.08.260, which allows port districts to construct, maintain and operate park and recreation facilities when they support port infrastructure, and RCW 53.08.270, which outlines the process for a port to seek approval from state and local park agencies before acquiring and operating such facilities. She argued the laws would allow the Port to assume responsibility for Lighthouse Park if Whatcom County is unwilling or unable to fund a dock. "We have water on three sides and have no dock or pier for residents or visitors to use," Coe said. "Please help us get this done." She added that previous requests to the Port of Bellingham and other elected officials had not resulted in action.
Coe’s remarks drew applause from the audience. James acknowledged the response, saying, "I’m hearing from the group that there’s a lot of consensus for that sentiment," and said she would provide Coe with her business card to continue the discussion.