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DAYTON–The Port of Columbia Commissioners heard public comment in opposition to the proposed meat processing facility on lots within the Rock Hill Industrial Park. Those concerns were addressed by the business owners of Table Rock Meat, Co. Michelle Shoun and Cheyanne Reed. The board also heard from tenant and business owner of Cedar Spirits and his plans which includes expanding into the rest of the Blue Mountain Station (BMS) Building No. 2. Paul Didelius, owner of Columbia Walla Walla (CWW) Rail, seeks to purchase the Port owned rail. Executive Director Jennie Dickinson also provided updates on the broadband project.
One community resident spoke of her objections to plans for the meat processing facility to operate on Port property that is within city limits and is concerned about the odor, noise, and traffic, as well as the potential to devalue residential property in the area and bring in unsavory employees. Table Rock owners Michelle Shoun and daughter Cheyanne Reed said that other than getting the animals into the facility, everything would be done inside. Therefore, there would be no noise or smell. They plan to fence the perimeter. Generally, they strive to show respect for the community and the animals. As a USDA facility, they will be held to high standards or will be shut down. They added that they practice humane killing, they will dispose of the blood properly and will screen all employees. Detailed answers can be found in the Dayton Chronicle Table Rock article on page one.
Owner of Cedar Rain Spirits Robert McNicol is the sole tenant of space at the BMS Building No. 2, and he shared plans to expand to use the whole building for their production of vodka and liqueurs early next year. The expanded space still needs interior finishings and to be equipped with air conditioning which will be addressed right away. The space they currently occupy will become an expanded tasting room and a place to have cocktails and food. They have plans to hold events to bring in people from Bluewood, as well as American Legion competitions and live music events.
Ahead of a presentation made by owner of CWW Rail by Paul Didelius, Dickinson said that he has requested to purchase the Port owned rail. Before it can be seriously considered, the comprehensive plan would need to be changed and it will be a priority to discuss at the workshop following the next meeting on January 11.
Additionally, she said they would have to hold a public hearing to allow stakeholders and residents to be heard. Didelius provided some history of the issue of not having barge terminal access on the river at Wallula which limits rail usage particularly for grain shipment. He is talking with an engineering firm about changing the footprint of the mainline including making it more automated. They would pursue federal grant funding for this.
The limited usage has a direct effect on qualifying for grant funding to maintain and modernize the rail line including the Port owned portion. Most of the rail operated by CWW is leased – all but the Kennewick Terminal Railway which was purchased from the City of Kennewick in 2009.
When asked by Commissioner Seth Bryan about commercial use plans, Didelius answered that Seneca, some grain growers, the windmill companies, and Koncrete Industries and a new plastic pipe business in Walla Walla would use the line. Bryan emphasized that his priority is to put the public asset to the best use for the community, and both he and Commissioner Johnny Watts expressed preference that the rail be privately owned because more could be done with it than the Port could do. Commissioner Genie Crowe said she is interested in hearing the public on the matter.
Dickinson provided an update on the broadband project that they will be advertising for bids for contractors for construction and at the next meeting on January 11, they will choose the lowest bidder. They will then hold a public meeting later in the month where the contractor can answer questions. The Port will send out mailers to residents with information about connecting to the network at no cost to the resident. Watts spoke of his concern about the project going overbudget because of inflated costs. Dickinson answered that there are funds available for community projects to cover the added costs. Watts added that he cannot support a project that is double the initial budgeted cost, if it comes to that.
