New businesses at Blue Mountain Station

DAYTON — The Port of Columbia County Commissioners met at 5 p.m. on October 14, 2026, in the Port’s newly remodeled boardroom. Commissioners Mike Spring and Scott Hudson attended in person; Johnny Watts could not attend. Executive Director Jennie Dickinson and Economic Development Coordinator Shane Laib were also present.

The commissioners reviewed and approved the monthly budget report. Due to rising utility costs, this year’s utility budget is already 98 percent spent.

The commissioners reviewed the draft of the 2027 Budget and Capital Facilities Plan. Dickinson noted that the commissioners added the Touchet Valley Trail to the plan at their request. The 10-million-dollar cost was based on the design completed a few years ago.

The commissioners will discuss and vote on the 2027 Budget and Capital Facilities Plan at next month’s meeting. Hudson pushed to budget money for tourism promotion funds for local businesses. Dickinson seemed inclined to believe the Chamber of Commerce should promote tourism for downtown businesses.

Dickinson said the sale of the Lyon’s Ferry RV and Marina concession was imminent. The planned construction of new RV pull-through sites awaits completion of the cultural resources study and final approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The commissioners approved Resolution 2026-02, which is a grant project to expand the boat launch facility and replace the C-Moorage.

Mainstem Malt may not be able to move forward due to financing. A milling business is interested in the same site.

DarVincii, a new take-home meal business, opened in Blue Mountain Station on September 30, 2026. Its website describes the menus as a colorful fusion cuisine designed with affordability in mind. Visit darvincii.com for more information. In addition, Benchstone Estates, a winery owned by winemaker Dana J. Lammers, has signed a lease for Suite H.

The railroad lease remains uncertain, as the operator is still waiting to see how the trial of moving grain in coordination with Union Pacific resolves. The operator wants a few more weeks to commit to a new lease.

The Rail Tourism Committee posted a Request for Proposal from consultants, and Dickinson is currently fielding inquiries from potential bidders. 

At the end of the meeting, the commissioners took up the comprehensive plan update, which they have worked on at the end of each monthly meeting. This meeting focused on the Economic Development Plan. A public hearing is scheduled for the next Board of Commissioners’ meeting on November 10, 2026.