ILWACO – The availability of live bait progressed slightly further this week as Port of Ilwaco Manager Jim Neva proposed a lease alteration to port commissioners.

Neva said, “Based on what has been going on with Lance [Barnett], Ed McClure would like to alter his proposal to now lease out the whole dock, which would extend the space from about 155 feet to 260 feet … He would like the board to formally approve going into an agreement with the port on the lease.”

McClure approached the board Sept. 4 and stated that he would like to fix up the existing space and open up a May through September live bait business with his son. He now wishes to lease the entire deck.

Port commissioners Frank Unfred, Dave Nichols and Dick Siefert approved to negotiate and enter into the lease with proposed changes.

“Let’s get all the information on the table so that we can get the best man for the job,” said Unfred.

Also on the agenda, Neva proposed that the port sign another 20-year lease with Seabreeze Charters, which was approved.

Neva presented commissioners with a preliminary 2008 budget created by port staff, which includes projects such as the “C” dock rebuild, boatyard improvements, electrical upgrades on floats, upgrades to “N” float, and pile-driver improvements. Neva stated that total project costs are estimated at $1,032,000. Neva also reported that the “P” float gate should be delivered in a few weeks.

In public comment, Ilwaco Councilman Mike Cassinelli requested that the board go into executive session so that they could discuss his lease negotiation. He also reported that last Friday’s dignitary boat tour was a success. Similar to the boat tours provided to Astoria’s cruise ship patrons, the tour took representatives from Seaside, Astoria, Ocean Park, Long Beach, Ilwaco, the National Parks Service and other organizations on a four-hour trip to see sights described by living historians, who served as tour guides.

“We’re getting word out that there’s more here than fishing,” said Cassinelli, referring to local museums and restaurants. “Anything bringing more people to this area is a good thing.”

Neva suggested that the boat tours would be a great side-tour addition for conferences scheduled in the area.