Mike Ahrenius, president of the Friday Harbor Port Commission, was elected president of the Washington Public Ports Association for 2010.

The election was Nov. 18.

The association was formed in 1961 and represents most of the 75 public ports in the state of Washington. WPPA serves as a venue for education of its member ports and promotion of statewide economic development. The association works with state legislators in Olympia to advocate for policies that enhance the state’s economic health.

Public port districts were authorized in 1911 by the Washington state Legislature. Since then, ports have been formed throughout the state. They range in size from the ports of Seattle and Tacoma to the smaller ports of Lopez, Hoodsport and Coupeville. Ports provide facilities for economic development by building airports, marine terminals, marinas, industrial sites and other business infrastructure, as well as public amenities such as parks.

The Port of Friday Harbor was formed in 1950. Ahrenius, in his second term, has served on the Friday Harbor Port Commission since 2002. His fellow commissioners are Greg Hertel and Barbara Marrett.