The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON—Colby Litzenberger, of Tucannon Development, LLC, has stepped up to the plate with regard to building number two at the Blue Mountain Station, reported Port Manager Jennie Dickinson, during the Port of Columbia Commissioners’ meeting last week.

Work on the building by Litzenberg’s family-owned construction company had stalled over a dispute with the Port about whose responsibility it was to provide electricity to the building.

At a meeting with Port officials in February, Litzenberger’s father, Allen Litzenberger said he believed the Port, as the developer, was responsible. That was contrary to the Port’s position, which was based on wording in the lease agreement with Tucannon Development.

Since the February meeting, Port officials have been asked to buy the building from Tucannon Development. Dickinson said at last week’s meeting that Tucannon Development will finish the building while a professional appraisal is being conducted.

“The Port has not made a decision whether or not to buy the building,” Dickinson said. “We cannot make a decision like that until we see the appraisal. We will consider it.”

Dickinson said the construction firm has to pay for the electrical extension to the building no matter what. She said the company is currently working with the City of Dayton to get water and sewer hooked up, and is covering some back door openings with better material, and they have signed a lease agreement with a tenant.

“This is the best outcome we could hope for,” Dickinson told the commissioners.

The 6,000 sq. ft. building at 700 Artisan Way, has three additional 1,500 sq. ft. spaces that are available for food and/or beverage processing. Call the Port office for more information at: 382-2577.