Port counts new businesses in town

DAYTON–The Port of Columbia Board reviewed a budget report, Comprehensive Plan, and advised four new businesses in town during the recent meeting July 13.

A budget report was given by Dickinson indicating a year-end balance for net cash and investments of almost $715,000. Set aside from the total amount for the Broadband Project was $410,000 which was carried over from last year.

Reviewing the Comprehensive Plan was discussed briefly, and the Commissioners approved moving forward with requesting proposals for a consultant firm to guide the process. Dickinson provided information about the Port's role for housing development plans and gave examples of the Ports of Pasco and Bellingham including housing as part of plan that also includes commercial use. The land for housing would be bought by a developer to then build. The Port could also partner with the City of Dayton and the County in support of their plans for housing.

The Commissioners approved leases which included one for an auto detail business called Columbia River Detail. Another lease was for Southeastern Washington Health Alliance whose purpose is to partner with local health and government agencies, as well other organizations invested in the health of the community for the purpose of developing health priorities and plans for collaborative action.

For updates about community and economic development, Dickinson said a business called Sweet Cheeks recently contracted to use the kitchen at Blue Mountain Station and is looking for space downtown. The Chamber of Commerce Manager Belinda Larson reported about events during the last quarter, as well as the new business Vikki's Sweet Shoppe in the space previously occupied by Locally Nourished. The owners have also bought the adjacent building where Frontier Too used to be. The upstairs will be apartments. They have different ideas they are considering for the space below. The shop had its grand opening on July 15.