The Port of Astoria gets FEMA reimbursements and more
Published 12:17 pm Monday, December 22, 2025
By JAY CORELLA
The Astorian
On Tuesday, Dec. 16, all commissioners were present for the Port of Astoria commission work session where various issues affecting the port were discussed.
Port Executive Director Will Isom said that the calendar was noticeably lean compared to work sessions in the spring and summer.
Sue Transue, The Port’s terminal and customer support manager presented a motion for renewed use terms for Oregon State University’s Team Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program. The program uses Astoria Regional Airport’s runway 3 which is currently unused by aircraft.
The program has used the site for eight years and wishes to extend it for two years until 2027. The key change is an amended day use fee of $372.42 per day in use, a $248.28 increase from the original day rate of $124.14.
“They’re very appreciative of The Port supporting the program,” said Transue. Commissioners approved the motion unanimously.
Isom started off his report by mentioning that The Port’s financials from July to October were looking healthy.
“We’re operating about 103% of budget for operating revenue and doing it on 96% of operating expenses,” said Isom.
Isom said that this report indicates that The Port is $277,000 ahead of budget.
“We’re beating budget operationally,” said Isom, “which is significant for an organization of our size.”
“We’re to financially, a great start of the year, which is good news,” said Isom.
Isom also reported that after two months of floating Federal Emergency Response Agency grant money, The Port finally received approximately $550,000 of FEMA reimbursements.
“I sleep a little bit better … knowing that we have a little bit of a barrier now,” said Isom.
Isom also said that the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association visited The Port on Friday, Dec. 12 to give an update on their upcoming April trip to Washington, D.C. The organization aims to use the trip to advocate for waterway users in the region.
Isom also said that progress is being made in the lease development process for The Port’s waterfront development plan.
Because of the long-term nature of the leases, Isom said it presents unique challenges.
“That forces The Port to really contemplate not only what works for today, but also 10, 20 years down the road,” said Isom. He’s hoping to have the leases ready for commissioner approval early next year.
