Commissioners discuss expanding port's conference room

DAYTON – The Columbia Port Commissioners held their regular meeting at 5 p.m. on February 11, 2026, in the Port conference room. All Commissioners were present in the Port conference room: Mike Spring, Johnny Watts, and Scott Hudson. Also present was the Executive Director, Jennie Dickinson.

Dickinson broached the need to expand the port’s conference room to accommodate the public at well-attended meetings. Currently, overflow attendees can view from the hallway or watch via video feed from the main office.

Dickinson suggested expanding into the space adjacent to the conference room, currently leased by RAD Driving School. The port could offer the driving school a larger space.

The commissioners were open to the idea and directed Dickinson to contact the RAD owner to discuss options.

The commissioners discussed the Washington Public Ports Association meeting schedule and the value of attending WPPA meetings. They also talked about other intergovernmental meetings.

Discussions on facilities included the possibility of creating a pocket park at the site of the former Eagles building on Main Street, which sustained significant damage in a June 8, 2021, fire. Dickinson said the Rock Hill Industrial Park had completed their GSA inspection. She also announced the permanent closure of Ace Automotive, formerly Jay’s Automotive. The Mainstem Malt project is still working with architects and securing funding.

Dickinson said Cedar Rain has closed its operations at Blue Mountain Station and in Walla Walla. The port has been in discussions with a pasta producer and has interest from a local ag-related business for Cedar Rain’s vacated space at BMS.

The commissioners discussed touring the railroad track, possibly aboard the Lincoln railroad car.

A committee formed after the last Dayton Town Meeting has asked to use the BMS garden to create a pollinator garden. The fenced garden would be used to bring Monarch Butterflies back to the area by replacing lost habitat. The committee led by Jeff Keating is the port’s point of contact for the proposed project.

Dingles has agreed to supply animal feed after the closure of Pioneer West, which had been the sole source of feed in Dayton. Dingles has also expanded its fishing supplies.

There was no public comment offered during this meeting, which adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

The next meeting is 5 p.m., March 11, 2026, at the port office conference room and on Zoom.