BST Associates
June 1, 2015
Port of Kalama Comprehensive Plan
Page 80
Taxation
The Port of Kalama decided to forego the tax levy in 1996, but can still go back on the tax
rolls at the beginning of each year. According to preliminary estimates from the Cowlitz
County Assessor, the highest amount the property taxes the Port could collect is approximately
$270,000.
State Financing Options
Financing programs available to the Port are described below. The Port of Kalama has been
very successful in obtaining state and federal financing for various projects, having recently
received funding from PWTF, USFS, CERB, RECD for the North Port development; RCO, ALEA
and other sources for recreational project developments; and ISTEA, TEA21, REV, the City of
Kalama, and Distressed County Sales Tax Rebate Funds for various other projects.
Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
The RCO manages a number of different state and federal grant programs aimed at
increasing recreational facilities in Washington. These programs are described below.
The Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) program is targeted at re-establishing
the natural, self-sustaining ecological functions of the waterfront, providing or restoring public
access to the water, and increasing public awareness of aquatic lands as a finite natural resource
and irreplaceable public heritage. Typical projects include removing bulkheads to restore
natural beach functions, restoring an estuary, replacing a waterfront boardwalk, restoring
shoreline for salmon habitat and developing a waterfront park. Grants may be used for the
acquisition, restoration, or improvement of aquatic lands for public purposes and for providing
and improving public access to aquatic lands and associated waters. All projects must be
located on lands adjoining a water body that meets the definition of "navigable".
The Boating Facilities Program (BFP), is available to state, local and tribal agencies for use
in acquiring, developing, and renovating boating facilities, including launching ramps, transient
moorage, and support facilities on fresh and salt water. Grant recipients must provide at least
25 percent matching funds in either cash or in-kind contributions.
The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG) provides funding for recreational transient
boating facilities, targeting the needs of recreational boats 26 feet and larger. Grant recipients
must provide at least 25 percent matching funds in either cash or in-kind contributions.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides funding to assist in preserving,
developing, and assuring accessibility to outdoor recreation resources including but not limited
to parks, trails, wildlife lands, and other lands and facilities desirable for individual active
participation. Grant recipients must provide at least 50% matching funds in either cash or in-
kind contributions.
The Non-highway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities Program (NOVA) is used to develop
and manage recreation opportunities for users of off-road vehicles, hikers, equestrians,
bicyclists, and other users of non-highway roads (those roads not supported by state fuel taxes).
This program is available to state, local and tribal agencies, as well as to federal agencies.
BST Associates
June 1, 2015
Port of Kalama Comprehensive Plan
Page 81
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds to rehabilitate and maintain
recreational trails and facilities that provide a backcountry experience. Eligible projects include
maintenance and re-routing of recreational trails, development of trail-side and trail-head
facilities, and operation of environmental education and trail safety programs.
The Washington Wildlife Recreation Program (WWRP) is also available to state, local, and
tribal agencies. The goal of the program is to acquire and develop local and state parks, water
access sites, trails, critical wildlife habitat, natural areas, and urban wildlife habitat. This
program requires a local match of at least 50% matching funds, in either cash or in-kind
contributions.
The Youth Athletic Facilities (YAF) program is used in acquiring, developing, equipping,
maintaining, and improving youth and community athletic facilities. The program was
approved by Washington voters as part of Referendum 48, which provided funding for the
Seattle Seahawks stadium. Cities, counties, and qualified non-profit organizations are eligible
to participate in the program, and grant recipients must provide at least 50% matching funds in
either cash or in-kind contributions.
Department of Commerce (DOC)
The Washington State Department of Commerce began with a merger of the community
development and trade departments in the late 1980s. This Department administers two
funding programs to help communities develop projects that foster economic development.
These include the Public Works Board (PWB) and Community Economic Revitalization Board
(CERB).
Public Works Board (PWB)
The Public Works Board provides low-interest loans for local governments to finance
public infrastructure construction and rehabilitation. Eligible projects must improve public
health and safety, respond to environmental issues, promote economic development, or
upgrade system performance. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, special purpose
districts and quasi‐municipal organizations. Tribes, school districts, and port districts are
ineligible for this program. However, these entities may work with their city/county to finance
infrastructure projects. Eligible infrastructure systems include domestic water systems,
roads/streets, bridges, sanitary sewer, solid waste/recycling and storm water projects.
Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB)
The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) was created in 1982 to respond to
local economic development in Washington communities. The CERB's flexible, rapid response
to emerging growth opportunities has generated more than 34,000 permanent jobs for
Washingtonians. CERB is a state board focused on economic development through job creation
in partnership with local governments. The Board has the authority to finance public
infrastructure improvements that encourage new private business development and expansion.
CERB provides limited funding for studies which evaluate high-priority economic
development projects. Projects should target job growth and long-term economic prosperity
and can include: site-specific plans, studies, and analyses that address environmental impacts,