Port of Columbia wants public involvement updating comp plan

DAYTON—The Port of Columbia is working to update its Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements as required by Washington State law. Also known as a comprehensive or comp plan, it outlines for the public the assets the port manages and states in advance the port’s goals and strategies for stewardship of those assets in support of the economic vitality of Columbia County.

The port manages vital economic and community assets, including the Rock Hill Industrial Park, Blue Mountain Station, the Columbia Walla Walla Railroad, and Lyons Ferry Marina.

Any improvements or significant expenditures affecting port assets must be in accordance with the adopted comprehensive plan. Changes to priorities can only be made through a port-adopted update to the Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements.

“The comprehensive plan is basically a roadmap of the land and facilities the port owns and takes care of on behalf of the taxpayers of Columbia County,” said Port Commission President Seth Bryan. “Our community has a role in helping guide how the port invests in these public assets, and we highly encourage everyone’s participation in this process. Your input can help ensure our work aligns with community priorities and continues to support the economy and quality of life for our entire county.”

Since January, the port commissioners have convened monthly workshops immediately following their regular meetings. These workshops are open to the public and will continue through August 2023.

Consultants from Maul, Foster, and Alongi were hired to assist the commissioners in assessing port assets and discuss priorities and potential next steps during the public workshops.

After assessing and defining the port’s priorities and assets, the commissioners could begin updating the plan by October 2023.

Those interested in the process and providing public comment are encouraged to attend monthly Commission meetings. Public comment is accepted during the commissioner meetings but not during workshops.

Recordings, agendas, and minutes of the Port of Columbia Commissioner meetings and the Comp Plan workshops are available at portofcolumbia.org/ Port Info/Commissioners and/Meeting Agendas, Minutes & Recordings.

Public comments are accepted anytime at http://www.portofcolumbia.org/contact-us, directly via email to auditor@portofcolumbia.org, or via mail or in person at the Port’s drop box at 1 Port Way, Dayton, WA 99328. Written public comments will be provided to the Commission in advance of meetings.

Learn more about the Port of Columbia’s Comprehensive Plan and this process at http://www.portofcolumbia.org/port-info/policies-plans-budget/.