Port Commissioners suspend funding applications; call for advisory vote on Touchet Valley Trail

DAYTON–The Port of Columbia voted 2-1 to pause funding for the Touchet Valley Trail until an advisory vote is conducted following a lengthy presentation by Commissioner Seth Bryan, and both for and against comment from the public at the hybrid meeting held at the Youth Building and virtually April 13. About 100 attended in person and over 50 by Zoom.

The Port Commissioners discussed whether to pursue two grant opportunities for the Touchet Valley Trail (TVT) project–the Recreational and Conservation Office (RCO) and the other WSDOT.

Jennie Dickinson, Executive Director, provided an overview of the TVT project, followed by updates given by Brian Hansen and Adam Schmidtgall of Anderson•Perry, as well as a basic summary of the current funding opportunities for the trail by Ken Van Voorhis.

Commissioner Seth Bryan, who has been outspoken about his position against the trail prior to being elected last fall, offered a lengthy presentation of his concerns and the grant information he reviewed. The information he presented matched many concerns voiced by the public such as: cost of the trail, including maintenance and repairs; rights of property owners and farmers, and the potential the trail would attract vagrants, vandals and criminals. Bryan said the trail will limit the current farming practice right up to the right of way. He also expressed that using the grants for phased segments of the project was not appealing or useful.

Bryan detailed some of the RCO grant requirements. For instance, Bryan stated, the site of the project shall remain for recreational purposes into perpetuity or the Port would have to provide replacement land for recreation. From Bryan's review, he concluded the requirements to have control of the project land would ultimately disallow an active rail along the TVT.

"We've got a rail operator that is operating a viable business on our railroad right of way and he's transporting good and providing jobs for people," Bryan said. "If we were to accept these Land and Water Conservation Funds then simply, he wouldn't be able to continue doing that. Railroads and conservation don't mix and that's really concerning that we'd put something on the table that's going to significantly reduce what we can do with that right of way."

Bryan's issue with the WSDOT grant was that easements have not been established concerning the city property in Waitsburg or Dayton, nor is the trail part of the State Transportation Improvement Plan as required.

The public weighed in with its concerns and opinions on both sides of the issue. Comments were made that the trail would attract vagrants who have the potential to leave behind garbage, drug paraphernalia and human excrement. Those who own property adjacent to the trail also spoke against it. Others were concerned about the overall expense of the project and the costs of maintenance, including for the restrooms included in the design.

Supporters said the project would beautify the Touchet River corridor and provide increased safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. Some liked that it is part of the Blue Mountain Regional Trails plan to connect to other trails and others believed it would bring in people from out of the area who would visit and patronize local businesses while also offering an additional outdoor activity for area residents.

Why the trail can't be put on the ballot for an advisory vote in order to allow the Port to gauge community support, questioned Dayton resident Peggy James. When initially pursued, it couldn't be determined how to get the project on the ballot only that the Port didn't have the authority to do so.

The overarching concern for Bryan, with Commissioner Johnny Watts in agreement, was pursuing the project when the level of community support is uncertain. Watts's election campaign also included opposition to the project. Watts is a landowner in Huntsville near where the trail is planned.

Commissioner Genie Crowe, who has served on the project steering committee, supports the TVT and emphasized it meets the goals of the Port's strategic plan. Crowe suggested getting the trail on the ballot for an advisory vote and to pause the project until then.

A motion was made by Bryan to take no further action for pursing funding for the trail until an advisory vote is conducted. The motion passed with Watts voting in favor and Crowe opposing the motion.

Dickinson said she wished additional questions were asked to the design team or to staff so they could address inaccurate information. Later, when questioned, Dickinson pointed out that the RCO grant manager encouraged the Port to apply for funds for the TVT, and clarified those funds would be used for specific portions of the trail that would not be restricted by the requirements of the grant and would be maintained for recreational purposes. When probing into similar trail plans in the State, multiple projects list the RCO grants as potential funding opportunities. Columbia Walla Walla Railway Operator Paul Didelius serves on the trail steering committee.

Following the TVT decision, Commissioners unanimously approved the recommendation from staff to purchase fiber optic cable for the broadband project. Kara Riebold from Petrichor participated in the discussion by Zoom. She told the Commissioners about the increase costs and limited supply of the fiber cable and thought it advisable to purchase now before the prices goes up and the product is harder to find. It was proposed they approve a $350,000 budget though the cost is estimated to be closer to $300,000. This would buy all of the needed cable, but if costs continue to rise, it could reduce the scope of the project. Riebold thought more money will be made available for broadband to provide the additional funding needed to prevent reducing the project.

Dickinson presented brief updates on Port assets, most notably the plans for a Volunteer Work Party in conjunction with Blues Crew Organization for maintenance work on the Rock Hill Trail on May 1. Community participation is welcome and registration is encouraged. Also planned is a workshop for the Commissioners to tour Port businesses on April 27.

Also in attendance was Adam Schmidtgall and Brian Hansen from Anderson•Perry and Ken Van Voorhis from SPVV Landscape Architects.

The next meeting will be on May 11 when an affordable housing presentation will be given by the Walla Walla Community Council.