Spring selected Port Commission Chair

DAYTON — The Columbia Port Commissioners held their regular meeting at 5 p.m. on January 14, 2026, in the Port conference room. Commissioners Mike Spring, Johnny Watts, and the new member, Scott Hudson, and Executive Director Jennie Dickinson were present.

As the first order of business, Hudson nominated Spring as Board Chair, replacing Seth Bryan. Spring was elected unanimously. Hudson was elected secretary.

The commissioners handled several administrative items, including reviewing the monthly budget report and reviewing leases. The commissioners also conducted an annual review of 2026 policies.

Dickinson said she was flying to Olympia the following day to present a request to CERB (Community Economic Revitalization Board) for matching funds for the Lyon’s Ferry pull-through project.

Dickinson said Cedar Rain was vacating their space at Blue Mountain Station.

The Mainstem Malt owners joined the meeting via Zoom for the official lease signing with the commissioners. Spring commented that the completed lease was a big deal, and a lot of work went into reaching the agreement. Hudson said the lease was very exciting. Phil Neumann, the owner of Mainstem, said he will meet with Dickinson next week to sign the lease.

Though lease negotiations between the port and Columbia Railroad are still ongoing, Dickinson said the first grain shipment from Prescott to Wallula occurred this past week, and shipments could increase to 1,000 carloads annually.

Port Economic Director Shane Laib said the Dayton Quilt Shop is open for business while its building at the corner of Main and Fourth Streets is being renovated. He said that, with the closure of Pioneer West, Dingles True Value is considering stocking chicken feed, as no other source is available in Dayton. Pioneer West closed due to the sale of the building it leased. The sale fell through, leaving it available for lease or purchase.

Laib reported that Columbia County received a $250,000 grant from the Washington Department of Agriculture for repairs to the East grandstands at the Fairgrounds.

The regular meeting was adjourned to an executive session to discuss personnel matters. After reconvening the regular session, Watts moved to give the Director a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment and a 7% raise. The raise was approved unanimously.

There were no public comments, and the meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be on February 11, 2026, at 5 p.m., in the Port office conference room and on Zoom.