Key role at port is empty

Port District 7 is looking for a third commissioner.

The district controls both the airport and 18-hole Banks Lake Golf Course and is governed by three commissioners.

The district now has two commissioners, chair James Keene and Dennis Lohrman, and is looking for a new commissioner to replace Orville Scharbach, who recently resigned.

The applicant must live within the district boundaries and be a registered voter.

Anyone interested can contact Keene at 633-3108, or secretary Joanne Davidson, 633-2317, for additional information, or attend the next Port District meeting, Thursday, April 24, 5 p.m. at the airport.

Port districts often play key roles in economic development.

Keene said port districts throughout the state take on different functions. Some 16 have marine terminals, 31 operate airports, 42 have industrial parks, and 41 operate marine docks. There are 75 port districts in the state and many operate multiple functions.

While Port District 7 mainly operates the airport and golf course, it isn’t restricted to those functions.