PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County's updated shoreline management plan is expected to be in place by mid-December now that the conflict over finfish aquaculture has been resolved, according to the county's lead on the project.

"We will allow the use of net pens, although only in certain geographical areas and with a conditional-use permit," said Associate Planner Michelle McConnell, whose department is preparing paperwork that the three county commissioners will consider for approval Nov. 18.

"Having a plan in place will also allow people who have been waiting to develop shoreline property to proceed and offer them different options for that development," McConnell said.

County Commissioner David Sullivan said he thinks "it's the best we can do.

"All this does is kick it down to the permit level and deal with net pens on a case-by-case basis instead of having it be on the program level, but anyone who wants to put in a net pen will have to meet all of the conditions," Sullivan said.

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