PORT OF PORT TOWNSEND – COVID-19 UPDATE
from Executive Director, Eron Berg
see links below for Updates as of October 1, 2021
Port of Port Townsend Declaration of Emergency, March 18, 2020 (click to open)
Emergency Orders:
- E.O. 2021-02: Gov. Inslee Proclamation 21-14, Condition of Tenancy, COVID-19 Vaccination
- E.O. 2021-01: Rescinding E.O. 2020-01 through E.O. 2020-10 & Following Phase III guidance
- E.O. 2020-01: Port of Port Townsend Emergency Covid-19 Policy; March 18, 2020
- E.O. 2020-02: Covid-19 Emergency Sick Leave Policy for Port Employees; March 19, 2020
- E.O. 2020-03: Covid-19 Pandemic Response; Point Hudson RV Park; March 23, 2020
- E.O. 2020-04: Covid-19 Response to Governor’s Proclamation 20-25, “Stay Home, Stay Healthy”; March 25, 2020
- E.O. 2020-05: Covid-19 Response, Clarifying E.O. 2020-02; March 26, 2020
- E.O. 2020-06: Covid-19 Response, extended; April 7, 2020
- E.O. 2020-07: Covid-19 Response to Governor’s Proclamation 20-25.3 amending Proclamations 20-05, 20-25, 20-25.1, and 20-25.2; May 5, 2020
- E.O. 2020-08: Covid-19 Response to Governor’s Proclamation 20-25.3 and Jefferson County Phase II Re-Opening Variance; May 22, 2020
- E.O. 2020-09: Covid-19 Emergency Order regarding Haul-outs and Yard Tenancy Agreements; May 29, 2020
- E.O. 2020-10: Covid-19 Guest Moorage opening, RV camping remains closed; June 4, 2020
Financial Assistance & Resources for Port Business Tenants:
- From EDC Team Jefferson: Applications Are Still Being Taken for Three New Grant Programs for Jefferson County Businesses & Nonprofits – Jefferson County CDBG Micro-Enterprise Grant, Jefferson County Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Grants, and Working Washington Small Business Grants 2.0.
Previous WWSBEG grant awardees are eligible to apply to all three new programs. You can find out more about these grants and apply online until midnight of October 11th, 2020 via the link here. Please reach out with questions via help@edcteamjefferson.org.
- AVAILABLE AGAIN: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (& Grants): NOW OPEN AGAIN FOR ALL BUSINESSES. The EIDL program provides low-interest, long-term loans to offset economic losses due to the COVID crisis. When you apply, indicate that you would like to be considered for up to a $10K advance and provide your bank account information. You will receive up to a $10K grant ($1K for each employee) that never has to be repaid, even if you decline a subsequent loan offer. Direct link to SBA EIDL application here – https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
- Governor Inslee’s recommendations on cloth face coverings – Masks are now required (as of 6/26/20) – here’s a sign you can post on your door
- Covid-19 Response from the Port: Tenant Relief and Assistance Programs
- Main Street Program, Port Townsend
- Team Jefferson, Local Economic Development Authority – use this dedicated email for direct support: help@edcteamjefferson.org
- Small Business Owners’ Guide to the CARES Act
- Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
- Small Business Association Paycheck Protection Program
- Here is a summary of CARES Act SBA Paycheck Protection Program & Loan Forgiveness Program.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- NMMA’s flowchart to help you determine whether the EIDL or PPP is most helpful.
- Congressman Kilmer’s office has put together a detailed guide for small businesses.
- The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act from the US Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
- Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grants – Startup Washington, Washington State Dept. of Commerce
- Save Small Business Fund Grants by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation. You can apply directly here – https://savesmallbusiness.com/#apply.
More Helpful Links:
Check Governor Inslee’s site for information on virus updates, Worker, Business, School, Insurance and Veterans: https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/covid-19-resources
The WA Dept of Financial Institutions site provides info on Banking, Unemployment, Difficulty with paying Credit Cards, Mortgages, Rent, AVOIDING SCAMS, etc. (once you go to this link, scroll down, there’s plenty!) https://dfi.wa.gov/coronavirus-financial-resources
For access to resources from the State level for businesses and employees: https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/covid-19-resources
Employment Security Department has resources and information to help workers and employers impacted by coronavirus.
Workers who are sick with the virus and have a Certification of a Serious Health Condition form signed by a healthcare provider may be eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits: https://paidleave.wa.gov/coronavirus/
View our comparison guide and frequently asked questions to find out which programs and benefits are available in various circumstances: https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19
Please visit the Department of Health website for the most up-to-date information about cases of coronavirus in Washington state: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
The health and safety of Port of Port Townsend employees, tenants, customers, site visitors, and the greater Jefferson County community is our highest priority. The Port is committed to keeping its stakeholders informed and engaged as we continue to navigate this unprecedented time and continue in our efforts to closely monitor and effectively respond to COVID-19.
Port Works to Slow the Spread of the COVID-19 Virus: Offices Closed to Public Access – But Business & Operations Continue
The Port of Port Townsend is undertaking preventative measures to protect the health and safety of its staff and customers, while ensuring continuity of business and operations.
Beginning Monday, March 16, all Port offices will be closed to direct public access, although business and operations will continue during regular business hours. “Most of our offices are small and cramped and offer inadequate space to socially distance to the degree needed to slow the spread of the virus,” said Port Executive Director, Eron Berg. “In order to protect both our staff and the public, I made the hard choice to close all Port offices to direct public access until further notice.”
The Port is seeking to protect its staff through increased social distancing and developing work-from-home alternatives for certain employees. “We respectfully ask our customers and the public to keep away from Port Yard and Maintenance crews in the field when they are working,” said Berg. “For at least the next six to eight weeks, such distancing will be critically necessary.”
Information for our customers and tenants — you are encouraged to contact our staff and make arrangements as follows:
- Boat Haven Marina & Boat Yard: This office will be closed to public access, except through a customer walk-up window at the back of the building. Vessel haul-outs and yard tenancy agreements may be arranged by phone (360-385-6211) or email (yardschedule@portofpt.com) during business hours (Mon-Sat: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Guest registration and payments may be made by using the kiosk or iron ranger located by the boat ramp. As of June 1, haul out operations may continue without restriction; vessels, regardless of type (i.e., including recreational) being hauled.
- Point Hudson Marina & RV Park: This office will be closed to public access. Guest registration/payments may be made by using the iron ranger located in the breezeway outside the Office at 103 Hudson Street in Port Townsend. Reservations and payments may also be made via credit card by calling either 360-385-2828 or 800-228-2803 during business hours (7 days: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
As of June 20, our RV Park has reopened. - Herb Beck Marina: This office will be closed to public access. Guest registration/payments may be made via credit card by calling (360) 765-3131, if no answer (360) 385-6211, during business hours (Tuesday – Saturday 8:00-4:30), or by using the iron ranger located near the boat ramp at 1731 Linger Longer Road, in Quilcene.
- Regular Moorage Customers: You will continue to be invoiced and can make payments via USPS mail or credit card. Payments can no longer be hand delivered. You may drop them off at the iron ranger located near the boat ramp. If you have questions or concerns, please call either Accounts Receivable at 360-379-5091, or the Boat Haven Moorage/Yard Office at 360-385-6211.
- Boat Ramps: For Essential Use Only. Fee payments can be made at the electronic kiosk at Boat Haven or by using the iron ranger located next to the boat ramp at Boat Haven and Quilcene.
- Port Administration: These offices will be closed to public access. If you have questions or concerns, please contact staff during regular business hours (Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at 360-385-0656 or by emailing info@portofpt.com.
Upcoming Port Commission Meetings to be Conducted Remotely
The Port Commission’s regular meetings scheduled through April will be conducted remotely. Please note: We will no longer be providing an in-person meeting room for our public meetings. Meetings will only be accessible remotely, as per Governor’s Proclamation 20-28, which will remain in effect until June 30, 2020, unless extended or sooner terminated by Governor Order. Please visit the Port’s website as time approaches for each meeting for further details on how to participate.
How to Stay Informed
“As we work our way through this challenging time, it is our goal to continue to provide great customer service,” said Berg. “If circumstances require additional changes to operations, we will directly notify employees, and also provide notice to our customers, tenants and the public via the Port’s website” (www.portofpt.com). “In the event we become aware of a potential or confirmed exposure to the virus at the Port, we will follow the guidance provided by public health officials, notify staff and the public as necessary, and take all appropriate actions to isolate and clean affected areas.”
To receive regular updates on this developing situation, please visit the Port’s website at www.portofpt.com and enter your email address under the heading “Get Port News in Your Inbox” located at the bottom of the main page.