Port to hold broadband information meeting

DAYTON–The Port of Columbia will present information about the broadband project proposed for the City of Dayton and specific outlying areas in a zoom meeting Monday, August 31 at 6–7:30 p.m. After the presentation, attendees will be able to ask questions and participate in a short survey regarding their current service.

The Port contracted with a Walla Walla–based company PocketiNet, to conduct a broadband feasibility study that was completed in February of this year. Port Director Jenny Dickinson state due to the COVID-19 shutdown, the meeting to inform the public of their findings was postponed.

In addition, Scott Hutsell, a Lincoln County Commissioner who also serves as the chair of the Public Works Board, a state funding agency that provides infrastructure funds to communities; Diana Ruchert, the Port of Garfield Director where a community broadband project is currently under construction; and Steve Mantle of Innov8 Ag Solutions will speak to some of the ways the agricultural industry is using broadband to improve production.

The attendee survey will be available during the Zoom meeting via a link in the chat room, but can also be taken ahead of time by visiting the Port’s website at http://www.portofcolumbia.org.

To join the Broadband Information Meeting via Zoom, go to http://www.bit.ly/PortZoom just prior to 6 pm on August 31 or you can join by phone by calling 1-253-215-8782 with Meeting ID: 891 686 9076 and Password: 655824.