The Governor and State Legislators pushing for removal of Snake River Dams

POMEROY–Port of Garfield Director Diana Ruchert reported during the recent Port of Garfield (Port) meeting February 18, that as a representative of the Port, she and the commissioners are still actively opposing the removal of the Lower Snake River Dams by attending meetings and working with other Ports in sending a response to the Governor's study. She stated that she has learned at these meetings, the Governor and State Legislators are pushing hard to remove the dams.

An update about the broadband system was given by Ruchert. She informed the board that CenturyLink has agreed to allow the Port to use their utility poles, and requested permission to sign the contract when it is received. She stated that they will need to have the contract finalized as soon as possible to be able to have the poles included in the project design. The commissioners approved her request as well as making an addendum to the design to include the use of the CenturyLink poles.

At the January meeting of the Port Commissioners, it was approved to allow Ruchert to sign a new agreement with Petrichor for the management of the broadband project, as long as some changes in the terms were agreed to by Petrichor. The changes were made, and the agreement was signed by Ruchert.

The construction on the underground portion of the broadband system has been proceeding very quickly due to favorable weather conditions, and is expected to be completed in March. They will then proceed to the aerial portion of the fiber installation.

The Port has been contacted by Gary Hauser, on behalf of the Shepherd Foundation, to inquire if the Port would be interested in helping them clean-up and beautify the bulk fuel plant on the east end of Main St. He is proposing that the Shepherd Foundation could purchase the property and then gift it to the Port, in exchange for the fix-up. He feels that this would help promote Pomeroy by providing a more attractive entry to the city. Concerns were expressed by the commissioners about what type of studies would be required to improve the site, such as environmental or hazardous waste assessments. If an underground leakage of fuel was discovered, it could lead to a very expensive and time-consuming clean-up process. Hauser has expressed the desire to have action on the project within a year, and is willing to help with the expense of the clean-up. Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA) has also stated they may have some funds to contribute to the project.

Ruchert stated the Port would need a longer time period to get a project such as this completed, possibly as much as four years, depending on the outcome of any studies. It was agreed that the Port needs more time to investigate the probable costs involved with the project, and recognized that they are currently involved in other projects which are higher priority for the use of Port funds. Ruchert also mentioned that the proposed project does not create jobs or provide economic development, and therefore would not be considered a high priority for the use of Port funds.

Commissioner Cody Bye stated, referring to a discussion at the January meeting, that he was told by Terry Brandon, Pomeroy resident, that the Port of Garfield, as a governing body, can support the hospital district in general as it is a benefit to the community. He further stated that the Port can support the levy, as long as they do not ask people to vote a particular way. Ruchert responded that port districts generally do not support levies, but do not want to alienate any businesses. Commissioner Ed Crawford added that the Port can support the hospital due to the economic benefit it provides to the community, to which Bye and Ruchert agreed.

The Port will be holding an informational meeting for the public to kick-off Phase 1 of the construction of the broadband system. It will be held at Spinners' Hall, Thursday, February 20, 2020, at 6 p.m. Representatives from M&L Construction, Inland Cellular, First Step, Pocket iNet, and Whitman County are expected to be in attendance and possibly be part of the presentation.

Port of Garfield County Commissioners Ed Crawford, Larry Scoggins and Cody Bye were present at the February 18, 2020 meeting. The next regular monthly meeting of the Port of Garfield Board of Commissioners will be March 17, 2020, at 6:30 p.m., held at the Port Offices.