Port hears interest in reviving trail project

DAYTON – The Columbia Port Commissioners held their regular meeting at 5:00 PM on March 11, 2026, in the Port conference room. Commissioners Mike Spring and Scott Hudson were present in the Port conference room. Johnny Watts was not present. The Executive Director, Jennie Dickinson, was also present.

In the first public comment period, Dayton Chamber Director Belinda Larsen said she was representing Friends of the Trail, a group that approached the Chamber about renewing interest in the Touchet Valley Trail. On behalf of the group, she asked the Commissioners to take a second look at the project. 

Larsen said the project is important to the community, and the Friends of the Trail group is willing to do whatever it takes to get it back on track. Since Highway 12 is dangerous for pedestrians and bikes, the issue involves safety. 

Interest in the trail was sparked at the recent Town Hall event. Spring said the trail would enhance local business and had written letters to that effect to the former Commissioners when it was last under review. He suggested an economical solution might be to run the trail beside Highway 12 rather than along the railroad right-of-way, though he conceded that the trail alongside the highway would not be as safe. Hudson added that studies showed the trail’s economic impact would be substantial.

Dickinson said the RAD Driving School had signed a two-year lease for Suite E, which is larger than its current space. This will allow the Port to expand its conference room into the space formerly rented by RAD. The Commissioners voted to hire an architect to create plans for the conference room’s expansion. 

Dickinson discussed the malt facility at some length. She said the conceptual drawings have been completed, and the architects are working on the construction drawings. The building is expected to cost $20 million.

Shane Laib, Economic Development Coordinator, said the pollinator garden was underway at Blue Mountain Station’s fenced garden. The group responsible for the project was formed in response to comments during the Town Hall. 

Dickinson discussed plans for the Commissioners’ inspection of the railroad line. The tour will be conducted by the railroad operator. The tour will not be open to the public. 

Discussion turned to the port’s contract negotiations with the rail operator, which focused on liability for third-party damage to the track. The operator also said they were willing to discuss passenger traffic between Waitsburg and Dayton, provided a third party handled passenger processing and provided the passenger car. Basically, the operator expressed willingness to tow passenger cars of another entity.

Finally, Laib presented upcoming business openings and events, including a laundromat on Main Street and a pro shop at the golf course. The shop, replacing the restaurant, will offer grab-and-go food.

Laib said the 2nd Annual Touchet Valley Community Showcase will return to the Columbia County Fairgrounds on April 18, 2026. He said Dayton Days, on Memorial Day, should be expanded this year.

The meeting adjourned at about 6:30 p.m.