COUPEVILLE: Port financing of airport remains unclear (WNT)
Karina Andrew reports for the Whidbey News-Times from the Port of Coupeville board meeting on Wed., May 10, 2023.
Less than a month out from their projected closing date, Port of Coupeville commissioners still aren’t sure how they plan to pay for the A.J. Eisenberg Airport.
They Said It
At an open public meeting Wednesday, Port Commissioner John Mishasek posed the million dollar question.
“To go to closing on the airport property, where would $1.1 million come from?” he asked.
Port Executive Director Chris Michalopoulos said it was ultimately for port commissioners to decide.
“I’m working on it for you guys, but if you’re going to ask that question, the answer is, we do not have $1.15 million sitting in our investment account,” he said.
Michalopoulos told port commissioners during the May 10 meeting that he is working with a bank to obtain a bridge loan. Port staff are in the process of applying for Rural Economic Development Funds from Island County, but county commissioners are not expected to award these funds until late June or July, well past the port’s purchase deadline. At least one of the commissioners has also expressed misgivings about the proposed airport purchase.
On the Ballot in November 2023
| PORT OF COUPEVILLE |
| Commissioners. One of the three commissioner positions is scheduled to be on the ballot. In addition, due to a resignation, a second position will also be on the ballot. District 1: David Day. Candidates for district 1 must live in commissioner district 1; see the map at this link. No candidates, including Commissioner Day, filed to run for this seat. The Island County Auditor will have to open a special filing period to allow for candidates to come forward. District 3: John Callahan. Commissioner Callahan was appointed after the resignation of Patrick Kennedy. The position will be on the ballot in 2023 to fill the remainder of Kennedy’s term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2025. Mr. Callahan filed to retain his seat during Filing Week; Angela Ewart filed to challenge for the seat. |
