http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_13381059

Rough waters ahead for harbor district

John Driscoll/The Times-Standard
Posted: 09/20/2009 01:21:14 AM PDT

The Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District is at a crossroads.
Ship traffic has ground to a halt with the demise of the Samoa pulp mill and revenues are low. The district commission was forced this year to make significant cuts to its budget or risk spiraling quickly toward insolvency. Even with the changes, the district's position is tenuous.
A proposed marine terminal -- a source of controversy on a divided board -- is years away from bringing in money. Long term, it depends on the restoration of the North Coast railroad, the feasibility of which has created an almost cultural divide in the community.

Lastly, 20-year commission veteran Dennis Hunter is stepping down, leaving his seat open to hopefuls that don't necessarily share his views on port development, potentially allowing a shift of the majority.

All candidates are now focused more heavily on conservation and recreation, which some say could bring in money to keep the district afloat.