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About The Columbia press. (Astoria, Or.) 1949-current | View Entire Issue (June 4, 2021)
The Columbia Press June 4, 2021 5 College’s maritime training program wins national honors Clatsop Community Col- lege’s Maritime Science Pro- gram was named a Center of Excellence for Domestic Mar- itime Workforce Training and Education. It is one of 27 training insti- tutions in 16 states to receive the honor from the U.S. De- partment of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. The designation recognizes “the tremendous value that your institution provides to our nation by developing and preparing students for de- manding careers in our vitally important maritime indus- try,” DOT Acting Maritime Administrator Lucina Less- ley wrote in the May 19 an- nouncement. “Your graduates have made outstanding contributions to the industry over the years, which is an excellent testimo- nial to the superior academic and professional education and training they received while attending Clatsop Com- munity College.” The designation opens op- portunities for the college to enter into cooperative agree- ments to help advance re- cruitment of students and fac- The Forerun- ner, Clatsop Community College’s research vessel, takes a class out on the water for studies. Courtesy CCC ulty, enhance facilities, award student credit for military ser- vice, and potentially receive assistance in the form of sur- plus equipment or temporary Camping: RV park possible for Skipanon Peninsula Continued from Page 1 Newton added, “you guys have really turned this (your financial situation) around and I didn’t think it was pos- sible.” Development of the Ski- panon Peninsula is a high priority for the port, McGrath said. Expansion of the boat- yard is No. 1. “I think we can get the ball rolling by the end of this year,” McGrath said. “The boatyard is first, and this project is sec- ond.” Expansion of the boatyard, which was cramped before the log-exporting business dried up, is a three- to four- year process that would in- clude the conversion of 12 acres, plus the addition of an 800-ton mobile lift, an enclosed shop and covered work shed. The port’s Capital Improve- ment Plan, which was just ap- proved by Business Oregon, lists RV park development among the list of projects. The port owns more than 100 acres on the Skipanon Pen- insula, much of it valuable waterfront property. War- renton Marina is on the west, Youngs Bay is on the east and it extends south to Harbor Drive in areas. The port would seek a grant for an RV park feasibility study from Business Ore- gon. Funds to build the park could come from the state or the port could develop a pub- lic-private partnership. “Given the strong economic outlook for RV parks general- ly, finding a private partner is imminently possible – espe- cially if the results of the feasi- bility study are favorable,” the port’s Capital Improvement Plan states. During a Warrenton City Commission meeting last week, city leaders discussed ways to add more camping spots at Hammond and War- renton marinas. And it’s likely city commissioners will vote at their next meeting to boost the nightly camping rate from $40 to $50. Members of a new Marinas Advisory Committee will be asked to come up with proj- ects that can be added in the city’s Capital Improvement Plan, City Manager Linda Engbretson said. use of maritime vessels. “Given the critical nature of maritime transportation to our economy, changes such as this, that allow the industry to improve safety and efficiency of operations, have the poten- tial for significant economic impacts throughout the re- gion,” said Bill Antilla, a 25- year instructor in the college’s maritime science program. Chorale to have a 30th anniversary celebration in song North Coast Chorale will perform in concert as part of a belated 30th anniversa- ry celebration on June 11, 12, and 13 at the Performing Arts Center, 588 16th St., Astoria. A variety of the group’s fa- vorites over the years will be sung, including jazz, gospel, and classical pieces. Deac Guidi, known for his rich bass voice, and blues performer Dinah Urell are collaborating with the chorale and also will perform solo. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. A maximum of 50 tickets will be sold for each perfor- mance. Tickets are $10 and available online only at part- nersforthepac.org.