Port moves closer to rail property sale decision

DAYTON – The Columbia Port Commissioners held their regular meeting at 5 p.m. on January 8, 2025, at the port’s conference room. Commissioners Seth Bryan, Johnny Watts, Mike Spring, and Executive Director Jennie Dickinson were present.

The meeting began with public comment. Some concerns regarding the potential sale of the port’s railroad included the loss of the railroad and the effects on grain transport if the Snake River dams were to be removed.

Seth Murdock spoke first, saying that with continued government ownership, he was concerned that the railroad could turn into a “grant bonanza” beyond just running the railroad. He did not want the railroad to be turned into “more trails and less rails.” He said, “Keep the railroad by selling the railroad.”

Resident Rebecca Gibson said that she thought the railroad operator said he might fix the rails so they could carry passengers, which she believed would be a positive for the community.

Chuck Belany said, “We need to keep the railroad in the best condition possible in case the dams do go away.” He said he thought private ownership was the best way to do that.

Dave Harvey reminded commissioners that the port had received grant money several years ago to improve the line, and the operator declined the funds.

Kevin Rust said he favored keeping the railroad and hoped the commissioners had exhausted all means of making the railroad profitable or at least break even.

Mitch Payne said he thought the port should maintain ownership of the asset. He believed that would be in the best interest of the Ag community in the Columbia and Walla Walla Counties. He didn’t think it was a good idea to sell the railroad to an outsider, especially one involved in transportation. He said shippers should own the line.

After the public comments were closed, the commissioners elected officers. Spring suggested that the chairmanship rotate and suggested Watts for the role. However, Bryan and Watts re-elected Bryan in a 2-1 vote.

The commissioners then handled administrative items, including updating board policies without discussion or debate.

Dickinson said she had not given up on getting state assistance to fund the pull-through RV sites at Lyon’s Ferry despite the legislature’s current budget problems.

Bryan suggested a special meeting to discuss the sale of the railroad and hear public comment. Spring requested the commissioners invite representatives from other railroad operators, the Grain Growers, Columbia County, Seneca, and others. He recommended a public forum-type meeting with a presentation and an opportunity for the public to ask questions and get responses from the Commissioners and experts.

Bryan said he wanted the meeting to be run as a regular Port Commissioners’ meeting with only one agenda item so that the public had time to comment. However, the commissioners would not have to respond to questions.

Watts wanted a format that was more like a workshop. The commissioners decided to have a workshop with experts and stakeholders invited, but no public comment. The port would host a following meeting that would include public comment. January 29 and February 5 will be considered as dates for the workshop and meeting; however the dates were not finalized before adjournment.