Port holds trail workshop for Commissioners

DAYTON–The Port of Columbia held an informational workshop about the history of the Touchet Valley Trail (TVT) project and provided updates at a meeting on March 21.

Port Executive Director Jennie Dickenson illustrated how the process for the trail project started and when the Economic Development Steering Committee voted it as one of the top Port projects. The Blue Mountain Regional Trails (BMRT) planning committee later met with residents from Dayton, Walla Walla and Milton-Freewater and determined the trail between Waitsburg and Dayton was the highest priority from among other proposed regional trails because the ease of the project in that the Port owns the rail and its right of way, and the residents who attended the community meeting expressed support.

In 2018, funds were sought from WSDOT for the trail design which included letters of support from various local entities including the Cities of Dayton and Waitsburg and the Columbia County and Walla Walla County Commissioners. In June of 2019, the Port reached out to adjacent landowners and soon found there was opposition to the trail.

Dickinson explained that the economic predictions show a positive growth as a result of the trail because it will draw visitors and enrich the community. She compared the trail to the Port’s operation of the Lyon’s Ferry Marina for the purpose of maintaining recreational access to the river originally funding with aid from the State Recreational Conservation Office (RCO) while cooperating with other entities to construct and maintain. The Port budgets $20k to maintain the marina and similarly would budget $15-25k yearly to maintain the trail.

The trail maintenance plan will use State trail maintenance crews for spraying weeds. Litter pick-up would be mainly done by volunteers though a small amount is including in the maintenance budget. Garbage collection and restroom cleaning at trailheads is budgeted. Other larger maintenance costs that come with age or from possible damage would be covered by other funding sources the Port would seek. Other trails have Friends of the Trail groups that help raise money which is a possibility also.

The Port pays to maintain all of their assets and investments. Most of the Port’s revenue sources are from leases form private businesses and over time more money will be freed from paying down the debt service for loans and bonds.

According to Dickinson, by about 2026 when the trail maintenance needs would begin, the debt service would be down by over $60,000 and a portion of the money could be applied to the costs of maintaining the trail.

Dickinson reviewed other public concerns. When consulting with those overseeing the management of similar trails in Whitman County, they conveyed that littering, homelessness and encampments is not pronounced along the trails. They also work with landowners along the trail about crop spraying. Other representatives reported similarly about the Centennial Trail in Spokane.

Brian Hansen from Anderson Perry said they are still reviewing the 30% plan they completed last June, but since have made some changes to it including altering the path based on recommendations from the trail steering committee. The trail would follow along Main Street from the Touchet River west to Blue Mountain Station instead of along Commercial Street for that portion in the city of Dayton.

They have also confirmed the Port right of way based on the GIS maps along the whole length of the trail and illustrated that in most areas it is 50 feet from the center of the rail, but at some places it is less because of limited clearance. Hansen clarified that the maps are not actual surveys which are more specific, and encouraged property owners along the rail to contact him if they think there’s a discrepancy.

Another issue they’ve tackled with the 30% design is the congested area around the rail in Huntsville by relocating the trail to the highway side of the rail and moving a portion of the rail.

Additional landowner concerns about where driveways cross trails or possible fencing needs are being addressed. Of these changes, moving the trail to Main Street would be a similar cost to the original plan, but moving the rail in Huntsville will cost $560,000.

Ken Van Voorhis reported that the State Recreation Conservation Office (RCO) has a grant available for up to $1.5 million with a required match of up to 50%, though it could be less depending on need. Design funds already received by the Port can be applied to the match. Another $3 million grant is available through WSDOT with no match requirement. If awarded, these funds can be applied to the match for the RCO grant. The Commissioners will need to vote on whether to apply for funds before their deadlines in May.

Commissioner Seth Bryan asked about possible flooding and the costs for repair. Dickinson answered that the Port would seeking funding for significant repairs of any kind. Van Voorhis also said that flooding would not likely cause any major damage to the trail.

Bryan also asked why the location for the trail was chosen to be between Waitsburg and Dayton and not some other location such as up the North Touchet. Dickinson said the location is an easy one because the Port owns the right of way along the rail. She emphasized that the TVT is part of the Blue Mountain Regional Trails plan and the trail was voted as first choice to develop. She also pointed out that it is a trail that is accessible to most people because it’s on level terrain. Commissioner Genie Crowe shared that she has been on the trail steering committee since the early days, she regularly uses bike trails and plans to use the TVT.

The trails is part one of the Strategic Goals of the Port’s Comprehensive Plan. All trail related information is on the Port website including the 30% trail design, the trail design meeting, the workshop, Port responses to questions and concerns and other documentation.

Forty online attended including Senator Perry Dozier, and a limited attendance of about dozen in person. The workshop consisted mainly of presentations by Port Executive Director Jennie Dickenson, Ken Van Voorhis from SPVV Landscape Architects and Brian Hansen from Anderson Perry. Time was provided for the Commissioners to ask questions of the presenters, but no public comment was taken.