Port approves new contract

e broadband fiber system is set to begin in February, weather permitting, was the word during the recent Port of Garfield board meeting The Port of Garfield County Commissioners met Tuesday evening, January 21. A contract has been signed with M&L Construction, Inc. from Spokane, and a pre-construction meeting is set for Monday, February 1, 2020.

A new contract was approved and signed for the management of the construction phase and operation of the broadband system. The previous contract was with the Port of Whitman, who will remain the managing entity with the new contract, but now through a cooperative group of counties operating as Petrichor. The new contract, as written, was for a term of three years with an automatic renewal term. After discussion, the commissioners agreed to accept the new contract with Petrichor, however with a two-year, non-renewing, term contingency. They will wait for Petrichor to accept these terms.

There was discussion about what the expected cost to consumer will be for the broadband fiber service. Port Director, Diana Ruchert, estimated that the average cost will be about $70 for home service, but added that it will vary from one internet service provider (ISP) to another. So far they have three ISPs that they expect to offer service through the Port’s broadband system. In addition, First Step Internet has requested access to the Port’s fiber to connect to a new wireless tower they will be constructing in Pomeroy.

Ruchert reported that six utility poles located along State Highway 12, have been denied permits by Pacificorp. The poles are older and will require load studies before permits will be allowed. The commissioners approved leaving these six poles out of the current plans for construction and proceeding without them for now.

Ruchert and Commissioner Larry Scoggin attended the Snake River Dams Study Workshop held at the Quality Inn in Clarkston January 7. They plan to attend future meetings when possible, which may require some travel expense, but they are committed to being active opponents to the proposed removal of the Lower Snake River Dams. Scoggin suggested that they use a book written by Fred Mensik, local author, as research support when attending the meetings.

Jack Peasley, with Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA), has asked the Port about possibly purchasing the Cardwell Building on Main Street to be used for economic development as a business incubator and office space. The current owner is offering the building for sale. After discussion, the commissioners decided to table the issue for now because their funds are currently committed to completing the installation of the broadband system, and it is too early to know when revenue, or how much revenue, can be expected in the first year.

Mike Field, Garfield County Hospital District Commissioner, attended the meeting as an observer. Ruchert addressed him to say that the Port is not able to give support to political activities, such as the upcoming levy for the hospital district. However, they did offer some free storage if needed, or to arrange an inter-local agreement for use of the Port’s RV Park. She also said that they do support jobs for the community, and want to see the hospital be successful.

The next meeting of the Port of Garfield County Commissioners will be February 18, 2020, at the Port Offices.