Port of Columbia updates

DAYTON – The Port of Columbia Commissioners met at the Lyons Ferry Marina at 5 p.m. on June 11, 2025. Commissioners Seth Bryan, Johnny Watts, Mike Spring, and Executive Director Jennie Dickinson were present.

During public comment, Chuck Ketterman asked about the urgency to sell the railroad, expressed by Watts at the last meeting. He said the commissioners should seek carefully thought-out answers to questions concerning the sale of the railroad, as it is an important issue.

Watts responded, saying there was no urgency other than what existed two or two-and-a-half years ago when the issue was first discussed. He said he just wanted to know where the port was with the decision and had no hidden agenda.

Dickinson announced a lease renewal at Blue Mountain Station for Mast Year Cider and a new lease agreement with the new owner of Rey’s Roast.

Tema Trucking is moving at the end of its lease at Rock Hill Industrial Park. Kyle’s Demolition will lease building #4 for two years.

Dickinson told the commissioners that surplus moorage from the Columbia Park Marina in the Tri-Cities does not appear to be suitable as a replacement for the C moorage at the port’s marina. She said the proposed moorage would not fit on the existing pylons.

Wally and Joanne Knouff, the owners of the franchise at Lyon’s Ferry, introduced their staff. The couple said three parties were interested in purchasing the franchise for the marina and campground.

Dickinson shared recently completed preliminary plans for the construction of the Main Stem Malt facility. Dickinson said she is working with the Washington State Department of Commerce to seek funding for the Pasta Company, which could provide fourteen jobs in Dayton.

Shane Laib spoke on economic development, briefly addressed the issue of abandoned RVs on port property, and discussed plans for the City of Dayton’s sesquicentennial (150th anniversary).

The next meeting will be on July 8, 2025, at the port’s office and on Zoom.