Port authorizes preparedness guideline

POMEROY–In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port of Garfield Board of Commissioners have authorized a “preparedness guideline,” in line with State and local mandates. Due to the fact that some of the Port’s employees are at high risk, or extremely high risk, of contracting the virus, some precautions have been put into place.

Those at extremely high risk will only perform duties that can be done without any contact with the public. The doors to the Port’s office are closed to the public; however, employees may come out to meet with individuals, and phones will be answered. One employee will man the office during regular business hours and it will be sanitized nightly, or as needed. Employees will practice social distancing by only holding meetings of nine or less, in an area that will allow a minimum of six feet distance between those attending.

The Port of Garfield Board of Commissioners were able to provide a goodly number of individuals with information about new internet services and a sign up to so they can be contacted by the internet service providers through the Port’s Broadband system

It was announced that there was a construction conference on Friday, March 20, 2020, via teleconference, and that both underground and overhead construction has started on the broadband fiber system.

The Port of Garfield has sent letters to the Governor in support of keeping the Lower Snake River Dams. They will keep monitoring the situation.

Port Manager, Diana Ruchert, has been in contact with Columbia Pulp’s founder, Mike Shock, to check on their progress with the new production facility in Starbuck. They also discussed the upcoming lease negotiations between Columbia Pulp and the Port for the Pomeroy facility. The negotiations will need to take place around the end of April or beginning of May.

There has been no further discussion of the possible purchase of the bulk fuel station at the east end of Pomeroy. Gary Houser had suggested that the Port could buy the property, and the Shepherd Foundation could help finance the clean-up of the site, which would help beautify Pomeroy from the approach from the east.

The Port has decided to issue a resolution in support of the Garfield County Hospital District, but it has not yet been finalized.

Commissioner Cody Bye announced that he and his family will be moving out of the Garfield County area, most likely in July. No further information was given at this time.

The next meeting will be April 21, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.