The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

A proposed road construction project may have severe consequences for Lyons Ferry Marina this summer. As managers of the marina we want the public to be aware of the impact this may have on the marina and summer recreation opportunities.

The project will affect Lyons Ferry Rd immediately adjacent to the marina entrance. The proposed project will result in the road being closed to all traffic traveling to and from Walla Walla and Tri Cities via Lyons Ferry Road for two months!

Yes, detours and alternate routes are available. But all either take more time, some significantly, or are on narrow secondary roads.

We met with the county engineer in late 2015 and early 2016 and discussed our concerns about the adverse effects the project would have. We were told the project would start in early spring and be completed by Memorial Day weekend.

With modifications to our operation, we felt we could persevere as this was still not our busy season, and arrangements could be made for limited operation. We asked emphatically to be kept informed on the project as this would have a direct effect on business.

The project had not started by April 1st so we contacted the county engineer’s office and were then told project had been delayed and start date was moved to June and July!

More than 60% of our yearly income occurs in the summer, June, July & August. How often do construction projects get delayed? What if 60 days turn to 75? We have essentially lost our entire summer season!

Seventy percent of our regular clientele come from Walla Walla and Tri Cities. Blocking access from Walla Walla and Tri Cities via Lyons Ferry Road would cause longer travel times via detours, confusion and a change of plans by our visitors. Many summer regulars come three times a week all summer long and have already stated plans would change.

Often we receive late afternoon calls from Charbonneau and Fishhook Park looking to send campers our way as they are full. Now a simple short drive on an easily navigated road turns into either a much longer drive on good roads or on narrow secondary roads that still increase travel time. Remember, these vehicles are often towing boats or 30-foot trailers, and often are navigating in the dark.

We are NOT opposed to the project, just the timing! The majority of our vendors use Lyons Ferry Road to supply the marina. We have already been informed by several vendors that traveling an extra 40 minutes each way may not be possible due to multiple stops vendors need to make on a scheduled route.

So, fewer guests, no vendors to supply ice, restaurant supplies, beer and soda mean one thing: we are at the very least facing loss of significant revenue, worst case we are out of business!

Imagine if farmers were told that during harvest two-thirds of their access to fields would be affected, or if Ski Bluewood was told a major road project would occur in Dec and January and affect access.

We met with the commissioners in early April and expressed our concerns. We asked the County Commissioners to please reschedule this project. Yes, it may cause project funding to change, project delay and funding may have to be reacquired. For the marina the consequences could be much worse.

We are asking the public to contact the Columbia County Commissioners and make your point of view heard: commisioners@co.columbia.wa.us. Or call 382-4542.

Jim and Angela Macarthur can be reached at (509) 399-8020.