Public turns out for Port meeting and railroad sale discussion

DAYTON – The Columbia Port Commissioners met at 5 p.m. on August 13, 2025. Commissioners Seth Bryan, Mike Spring, and Executive Director Jennie Dickinson were present, and Johnny Watts joined using Zoom. To accommodate all the members of the public who wanted to attend, some watched on Zoom from the port’s office. The high turnout was likely due to the sale of the railroad and right-of-way property.

County Commissioner Marty Hall was the first to speak during public comment, stating that he believed the sale would be a disservice to both the community and its infrastructure by selling the railroad. He said he had read the Rail Report Document, which is available on the home page of the Port of Columbia website. The document consists of 31 pages of the primary document and 300 pages of supporting documents. Hall thought it “very concerning” to sell the railroad property for so much less than the appraised value. He strongly recommended maintaining the railroad corridor, even if the rail line is sold, since the corridor is irreplaceable.

Charles Beleny asked about the port’s long-term maintenance for the railway. He thought there could be better maintenance to allow heavier loads and greater allowable speed. He doubted the port had that kind of money.

About seven members of the public echoed the sentiments of the first two speakers, either for or against the sale.

In her facilities report, Dickinson said that due to damage and transportation concerns, the port would not purchase dismantled docks from the Tri-Cities to replace those at the Lyons Ferry Marina. She said the port would make temporary repairs on the existing docks.

Dickinson said the Recreation and Conservation Office awarded the port a grant for the Lyons Ferry campground to finance ten new RV pull-through spaces necessary to maintain the campground’s KOA affiliation.

The commissioners discussed the possible sale of the railroad. Spring spoke first, saying that he felt like the current operator was trying to extort the port into selling by saying he would quit if the sale did not go through. Spring alluded to “other interested parties” that might want the railroad.

Watts thanked everyone for their participation. He said he likes to support private entities, but considered the potential railroad sale to be a research project, as there was insufficient information to make an informed decision. He said he wanted to make decisions based on information rather than gut or feelings. He said he feels that, regarding the sales price, the decimal point is in the wrong place, or it’s missing a zero.

Bryan proposed a workshop with no public comment as soon as possible, during which the date and time for the public workshop would be determined.

Dickinson said the port received a grant for over two million dollars from the Community Economic Revitalization Board. The CERB funds will expand broadband to the city of Starbuck and nearby areas.

Shane Laib, speaking for the Economic Development, reminded everyone of the Fall Family Festival on September 27. He said he was working hard on the Dayton Sesquicentennial celebration, including an event scheduled for October 4. 

Before adjourning for an executive session, another public comment period was held, mainly concerning the railroad.

The meeting adjourned for an executive session, and no action was taken after the regular meeting resumed. The next meeting will be at 5 p.m. on September 9, 2025, at the port’s conference room and on Zoom.