A written statement read by Grays Harbor County Commissioner Vickie Raines during the April 24 commission meeting:

After much consideration and generous pondering, I feel it is best that the county support the City of Aberdeen, as the municipality continues to independently secure public and private funding and move forward in the creation and establishment of the Grays Harbor Enterprise Center.

Personally, I firmly support the Enterprise Center and view it as a facility that while located within the City of Aberdeen, it will benefit all of Grays Harbor County. That being said, there are simply too many unanswered questions relating to the project, (ie., future ownership, operation, maintenance, tenant leases, land lease, etc.).

It’s important for me to acknowledge that following an extremely difficult and lengthy economic recession, the City of Aberdeen revived this project; picked up the ball and ran with it. I applaud the city’s efforts, especially Mayor Erik Larson and Lisa Scott. At this juncture, I believe it is up to Enterprise Center supporters, including myself, to campion this project and see it cross the finish line.

However, I am not of the belief that the Grays Harbor County Government needs to intercept the current forward momentum, but rather team up and individual support the Grays Harbor Enterprise Center (aka GH Gateway Center), if we choose.

For these reasons, I make a motion to rescind the Advisory ballot regarding the county’s direct involvement with the facility.