Port plans to set priorities

The Port of South Whidbey commissioners have called a special meeting to do some prioritizing.

“The Port of South Whidbey commissioners have called a special meeting to do some prioritizing.Commissioner Gene Smith has asked fellow commissioners Jan Smith and Jim Hawley for a special session ato study the newly-adopted comprehensive plan and prioritize the wish list.The plan includes a number of projects that the port could undertake, but in no particular order. Sears said the port needs a better idea of which projects to pursue in order to plan possible grant applications. All concurred and a special meeting was set for Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. in the port office, located in the Edwards & Moore accounting building in Freeland.In other action Wednesday, Commissioner Jim Hawley asked if the port could contribute $1,000 toward the Island Arts Council’s effort to bring the Seattle Symphony to South Whidbey High School. The performance is scheduled for Sept. 16.The proposal was nixed by Sears and Smith, who agreed the port is prohibited by law from underwriting such ventures, worthy as they may be. The port has supported concerts in Freeland, Smith said, but those have taken place on port property. “