Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

DAYTON–The Port of Columbia reviewed the Comprehensive Plan with consultants from Maul, Foster and Alongi which focused on the Lyons Ferry Marina property, a Port asset; heard a report from Concessionaires Joanne and Wally Knouf; reviewed the other assets and the broadband projects at the June 14 meeting. Also discussed was progress in hiring an Economic Development Coordinator and the possible purchase and rehabilitation of a privately owned downtown property.

Lyons Ferry Marina KOA Concessionaire Joanne Knouf spoke about updates at the marina including the recent painting of the outside of the main building. Reservations are full for the cabin and wagon rentals. The restaurant has new dinner offerings include locally sourced items, as well as walleye and salmon.

Jennie Dickinson, Executive Director, talked about the plans for ten pull-through sites with patios which is a requirement to remain a KOA. Anderson Perry is creating the preliminary design and permits with a cost estimate of a couple hundred thousand and another $1.2 million for construction.

Brian Hansen who was present from Anderson Perry reviewed the plans and said the existing water and septic systems can handle the additional RV sites. The sites will be situated on a hillside which will need costly cutting and flattening. Also, a bathhouse will be added. Dickinson pointed out based on the marina facilities study done in 2018 they had anticipated the pull-through sites would be required.

In addition, she said the lease agreement with the concessionaire states that when a large investment is made with Port funds, there would be half to one percent increase in the rent to provide the Port with a return on investment. Knouf said there is a demand for the pull-through sites and affirmed the KOA is a great support to them for advertising, tech support, the hiring of work campers, and being recognized as a national brand.

Dickinson added that the standards required by KOA helps them meet standards for inspection by the Corps of Engineers. Adding the pull-through sites is already in the comprehensive plan, so Dickinson recommended the Commissioners approve moving forward with the project and apply for funding through grants, some with match requirements. Other grants could come to the Town of Starbuck or Columbia County. Commissioner Seth Bryan suggested they ask for more than what is needed for the pull-through sites to cover additional marina needs including a new concrete boat launch and to add more boat and trailer parking.

During the Comprehensive Plan Workshop, Abbi Russell from Maul, Foster and Alongi stated this month would be the last in-person workshop. She talked about Lyons Ferry Marina–specifically the Master Plan drafted in 2018 where they assessed the marina asset of offering a public water access for a variety of uses that is in high demand and in fair condition. It also included two options for investment opportunities of expanding recreational amenities some of which have since been implemented. The first one was more expansive totaling $22.2 million in 2018 for all improvements.

The other alternative focuses on simpler amenities and maintenance and totals $16.3 million. She recommended they get an evaluation of current maintenance needs with an updated cost estimate and look at funding opportunities.

The Dayton Broadband Project is nearly 60% complete and on target for completion in September. A "Fiber Lighting Ceremony" is planned for September 20 likely to be held at Blue Mountain Station. Funding agencies will be in attendance including Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), The State Broadband Office and The Public Works Board.

The Commission approved the purchase of $123,000 in fiber for the Touchet Valley Broadband Project. Construction would begin in September. The Broadband Action Team has completed an action plan that is the culmination of four months of work including mapping utilities and grain towers, a rapid design study, and surveying local government agencies. This was paid for with grant funding and Dickinson suggested the remainder of the funding would go to pay Petrichor Broadband, LLC for consulting services for a plan to extend the service to county residents in more remote areas. She said they have a capability of serving 1340 residents with the Dayton and Touchet Valley projects. Some of the remaining 719 residences are difficult to reach because there is no connecting point. Dickinson mentioned partnering with another county to build infrastructure with a priority to connect Starbuck, up the North and South Touchet Roads, the Wolf Fork and the Tucannon.

The Port has decided to hire a full-time hourly Economic Development Coordinator and Dickinson planned to interview two local applicants and send one off to training once hired. Since the last person in that position resigned three years ago, and with COVID slowing things down Dickinson has been doing some of the duties herself with the help of the office staff and contracting other duties out. With one of the part time office staff retiring and business returning to normal, filling the position is more needed and is within the budget. She is looking for this person to help also with marketing and events.

Abbi Russell from Maul, Foster and Alongi discussed the Port's interest in purchasing a downtown building for rehabilitation or the aiding in the rehabilitation of a privately owned building. The Port is considering an unspecified property that needs remediation of contaminants and infrastructure assessments that the current owner may not want to pursue. There are several funding options for this specific purpose that can be considered. Commissioner Bryan expressed excitement over the idea.

In other Port business, the annual financial report from the Port's accounting firm was presented by Executive Director Jennie Dickinson for review and discussion at a later meeting. Briefly she stated it indicated a net increase of cash and investments of $15,000 which was more than anticipated with a $730,000 ending cash balance which includes a grant match requirement for broadband, the reserve, and cash on hand.

The craft malt study is underway for a possible business cluster to be built at the Blue Mountain Station. The Foodstock event is coming up on July 15 with many food vendors signed up to participate with the band Wasteland Kings headlining. Family activities will also be offered.

The CWW Railroad applied to Freight Rail Investment Bank for several thousand dollars in grant money and was approved. It requires a $20,000 match to be paid by the Port for rail maintenance work. The north portion of the city's Third Street Project will replace the rail crossing at Commercial Street as part of the grant money for the project from the Transportation Improvement Board.

The Port wrote a letter of support with an application for grant funds by Visit Walla Walla. They since were awarded it from Washington State Department of Tourism to create a regional tourism plan that would include Columbia County. A representative from the Port will serve on the steering committee.

A final report will be presented from the consultant group in September which will be a summation of all the meetings. This report will aid the Commission in updating the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Genie Crowe thanked Russell and everyone from her firm for providing the information.

In attendance to this meeting was Port Commissioner District No. 2. candidate Mike Spring.