Mill lease extended six months Posted by ptpcwebdev on Apr 23, 2020 in Business | No Comments Leader Article of February 12, 2020 The City of Port Townsend and the Port Townsend Paper Company have agreed to extend the terms of a more than 60-year-old operational water lease, which was due to expire in March, to allow more time for a renegotiation. The current lease, which has been in place since 1956, allows the PTPC free use of water coming from the Big and Little Quilcene rivers besides whatever amount the city needs for its own water uses. Kevin Scott, general manager of the paper mill, told The Leader in June 2019 that the mill consumes 10 to 12 million gallons of water a day. Port Townsend residents have expressed concerns that the city is getting the short end of the stick with this deal, and they would like to see the company pay its fair share. City Manager John Mauro has said he understands why residents feel strongly about this issue and that he is working to negotiate a fair deal for everyone. When asked at a Jan. 30 community meeting if he believes there should be public input on the terms of the lease, he said he does believe the public should be allowed to weigh in, although ultimately, lease agreements are the city’s decision. Previous City Manager David Timmons said last year the city would no longer allow free use of the water in the next long-term contract. Archives April 2020 November 2017 November 2016 September 2016 December 2015 April 2015 March 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 March 2014 Recent Posts Northwest Pulp & Paper Association Presents 2016 Environmental Excellence Award to Port Townsend Paper Falling down the ‘biochar wormhole’ – or – Turning organic debris into nutrient stores Mill lease extended six months Mill to recycle more, use less water Paper mill to increase recycling capacity Weather © 2021 Port Townsend Paper Corporation All Rights Reserved.