Port of Columbia

DAYTON- The Port of Columbia Commissioners heard public comment before moving into business items during their May 10 meeting including updates on assets and on the broadband projects.

The Dayton portion of the Broadband Project is progressing. They are beginning to receive signed leases with the internet providers who will be leasing the fiber network from the Port. For the Touchet Valley Broadband Project Dickinson said the design is 90% complete and they will have to coordinate placement of the fiber with the new wastewater treatment facility sewer line. They soon will have to put out requests for proposals to be considered for construction. A meeting was held on May 11 with local stakeholders for the presentation of the Rapid Design Study for the Rural Broadband Project to formulate a plan that is due by June 14 for extending broadband into the County.

A new two-year lease was signed at Blue Mountain Station with business Mast Year Cider Collective to begin June 1. A site meeting was to be held on May 12 regarding the feasibility study for the craft malt business with consultants for the purpose of developing a business cluster.

Commissioner Genie Crowe shared a letter she received in objection to the sale of the rail line. Mike Spring also made comment with concern about selling the rail and not maintaining control of it into the future.

Public comment was heard from Joann Patras who expressed appreciation to Port Executive Director Jennie Dickinson for her assistance with the application for grant funds from Sherwood Trust for All Saints Thrift Store for the purchase of a truck for hauling.