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Boaters who
launch watercraft from the Port of Camas-Washougal beginning this
month will notice a new launch ramp ticket machine installed Feb. 9.
"Boaters have asked for a more convenient method to purchase
launch ramp tickets and we delivered," said David Ripp, port
executive director. "During a busy summer weekend, it's not
uncommon for us to see 400-500 boat launches and this new machine
makes it quick and easy to purchase launch ramp tickets using debit
or credit cards."
The green, obelisk-shaped ticket machine may be a familiar design and
color for customers of the paid parking permit machines used in
downtown Vancouver, Wash. and Portland, Ore. Located at the marina
pay station kiosk, the machine dispenses $7.00, one-day "Pay
& Display" tickets that are placed on the dashboard of each
vehicle. The tickets serve as a launch ramp and parking permit, are
valid until midnight of the day of purchase.
The new machine was installed to meet the demand for customers using
the popular launch ramp at the port. It will also reduce tampering or
vandalism attempts to get at the cash previously accepted at the
machine and decreases the staff time required for sorting, accounting
and depositing the cash. The port office will still accept cash
during regular operating hours of 8-5 p.m. Mon. - Fri.
Benefits to Boaters:
· Available 24/7, 365 days per year.
· Fast access--in less than 20 seconds. Swipe and print.
· Accepts debit cards and Visa ® and MasterCard®.
· No need to have exact change or cash.
· Easy and familiar operation similar to parking
meters.
Features of the new ticket machine:
· Solar powered
· Auto accounting to staff via wireless, electronic
data transfer
· Auto notification to staff when ticket supply is
low
· Auto alarm for troubleshooting and repair
The port purchased the 'Strata Rapide' model ticket machine at a cost
of $10,531.65 from the Seattle office of Parkeon Services,
headquartered in Morristown, N.J.
About
the Port of Camas-Washougal
Formed in 1935 by a vote of the local community, the Port of
Camas-Washougal brings local jobs and recreational opportunities
through a 400-acre industrial park, a 79-hangar general aviation
airport and a 350-slip pleasure marina. Popular with recreational and
general aviation pilots, Grove Field airport has a state-of-the-art
fueling station and 14 tie-downs.
The Port of Camas-Washougal marina, the largest publicly owned marina
on the Washington side of the Columbia River, is adjacent to two
restaurants, a launch ramp, hotel, a marina park, fueling station,
guest docks and is homeport to the Dolphin Yacht Club. Other port
assets include the Parkersville National Historic site, Captain
William Clark Park at Cottonwood Beach. The port also manages the
adjacent protective levee along the Columbia River. More information
about the Port of Camas-Washougal can be found at www.portcw.com.
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