Port of Columbia hosts Foodstock and Swim the Snake

DAYTON – The Port of Columbia Commissioners held their regular meeting at 5 p.m. on July 12, 2024, at the port office. Commissioners Seth Bryan, Johnny Watts, Mike Spring, and the Executive Director, Jennie Dickinson were present.

The Commissioners first dealt with several administrative items, including a detailed examination of the monthly budget report and the 2023 annual report.

There were no new leases to announce.

Next, the meeting shifted to the public hearing on the Comprehensive Parks Master Plan. There was no public input, so the commissioners passed a resolution adopting the plan without any debate.

Dickinson said she was still working on the RCO grant application for the improvements to the Lyons Ferry Marina, and it is moving forward without any significant hurdles. She said Swim the Snake is scheduled at the marina and Lyons Ferry State Park on August 10, 2024. This year is the 11th anniversary of the fundraiser.

The grain cluster and Mainstem Malt grant application is also moving forward. The commissioners passed a resolution that authorized the repayment of the CERB (Community Economic Revitalization Board) funding.

Blue Mountain Station is hosting its Foodstock 2024 festival on Saturday, July 20.

The port selected R.L. Banks & Associates to appraise the railroad property. The original appraiser was unable to complete the process due to illness. The new firm has extensive experience in railroad economics, engineering, and service planning. RLBA offers tiered pricing, with the project costing up to $70,000. The rail operator will pay for half the costs.

The commissioners listened to a presentation by Common Roots Housing Trust. The organization works to provide housing opportunities to citizens in Columbia and Walla Walla Counties and the Milton-Freewater area. More information about the trust is at http://www.commonrootshousing.org.

The next regular meeting of the Port Commissioners is scheduled for 5 p.m., August 14, 2024, at the Port conference room and on Zoom.