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Port / County at Port

The Port will hold its regular Commission meeting. The public is encouraged to attend.

Regular Commission Meeting

Veterans' Day - The Port offices are closed.

Veterans' Day

The Port is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Port will hold a strategic planning Commission meeting. The public is encouraged to attend.

Strategic Planning Meeting

Presidents' Day

Pullman (December 29, 2020) — The Port of Whitman County will hold a public hearing 11 a.m. Thursday, January 7, regarding the potential surplus and sale of Lots 19-21 in Locust Grove Industrial Park.Due to in-person public meeting restrictions in Washington, this public hearing will take place remotely via Zoom at&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86590903284">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86590903284</a>. Members of the public may join by computer or phone. The call-in number is 1-253-215-8782. The meeting ID is 865 9090 3284.Veterinary Medical Research &amp; Development (VMRD) in Pullman recently approached the Port regarding the company’s interest in purchasing 8.36 acres in Lots 19-21 of Locust Grove Industrial Park, known informally as Pullman Industrial Park-West. The undeveloped land is located at the intersection of Grand Avenue North and Pullman-Albion Road in Pullman. The proposed use is light industrial business expansion.&nbsp;The first step in the surplus/sales process involves holding a public hearing on January 7. Then, the Commissioners will vote on whether or not to declare the lots surplus to the Port’s needs and approve the sale to VMRD.Founded in 1981, VMRD develops and manufactures veterinary diagnostic test kits and related reagents for distribution in more than 77 countries. Currently, VMRD is working on innovative solutions in the fight against COVID-19, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://vmrd.com/news-and-announcements/detail/vmrd-announces-innovative-testing-approach-in-covid-fight-to-help-businesses-institutions-open-safely-icoronavirus-surveillance-process-available-for-widespread-deployment-i">new testing approach</a> to safely keep businesses open. The Pullman-based company employs over 50 researchers, lab technicians and support personnel.###About the Port of Whitman CountyThe Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.

Public hearing set for 11 a.m. Thursday, January 7

Port to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Sale of Undeveloped Land in Pullman

Colfax (November 23, 2020) — The Port of Whitman County launched a redesigned website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.portwhitman.com">www.portwhitman.com</a> today. While the domain remains the same, the website features an improved design, content and graphics to tell the story of the Port.The new&nbsp;<a href="/">home page</a> guides viewers through a virtual Port tour, allowing them to walk the sandy beaches of Boyer Park &amp; Marina or observe a plane take flight at the Port of Whitman Business Air Center. Videography also appears on each Port property page to give potential tenants a bird’s eye view of the facilities.For the first time, the Port will maintain a digital archive of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.portwhitman.com/press-releases">press releases</a> and publish a&nbsp;<a href="/blog">Port blog</a> under “Our News.” The blog will feature a variety of authors, from elected Port Commissioners to staff members working in finance, broadband, property management and more.&nbsp;In addition, the website pays homage to the Columbia-Snake River System and its many, wide-ranging benefits to the Palouse region. “Our Rivers” explores&nbsp;<a href="/river-facts">facts about the river system</a> and houses event information about the Port’s annual&nbsp;<a href="/snake-river-family-festival">Snake River Family Festival</a> at Boyer Park &amp; Marina.Other notable changes to the website include a mobile-friendly design and improved navigation.“We are thrilled to launch a modernized website,” said Executive Director Joe Poire. “The new design reflects who we are as a Port District and gives us tools – such as our new media center – to keep you well informed of our economic development activities in Whitman County.”###About the Port of Whitman CountyThe Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.

Website features improved design, content and graphics

Port of Whitman County Launches Modernized Website

Colfax (October 20, 2020) —&nbsp;The Port of Whitman County is seeking public comment on its draft 2021-2025 Strategic Plan and Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements.&nbsp;Every five years, the Port revises its plans to reflect new goals, objectives and planned improvements to Port properties. With an update due this year, the Port decided to transition to a new way of documenting Port plans. The content that typically makes up the Port’s Comprehensive Plan was split into two distinct plans for 2021-2025.All Port property information and planned improvements will be documented in the Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements, while the Strategic Plan will contain the set of goals and objectives adopted by the Port Commission for the next five years.“While the recognizable elements of our previous Comprehensive Plans will remain unchanged, we hope this new format improves your overall experience with our Port plans by making information easier to find,” Executive Director Joe Poire said.The draft plans are available for public review at <a href="http://www.portwhitman.com">www.portwhitman.com</a>. Written comments may be submitted by email to <a href="mailto:communications@portwhitman.com">communications@portwhitman.com</a>; by mail to Port of Whitman County, 302 N. Mill Street, Colfax, WA 99111; or by fax to 509-397-4758 through November 5. &nbsp;The Port Commission will hold a public hearing at its regular 10 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2020 meeting to hear verbal comment. The meeting will be online at&nbsp;<a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86590903284">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86590903284</a>.In addition, the Port is launching a self-assessment tool for the first time. Every year, the Port will publish a report card to assess its progress toward accomplishing strategic goals. The first report card, however, will look back on the past five years of Port performance, as measured against the 2016-2020 Comprehensive Plan. This report is scheduled for publication in December 2020.###About the Port of Whitman CountyThe Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.

Public Comment Period Open Through November 5

Port of Whitman County Invites Public Input on Draft Plans

Colfax (October 2, 2020) - The Port of Whitman County Commission voted to appoint Karl Webber of Tekoa to the vacant District 1 Commissioner seat at its regular October 1 meeting.&nbsp;Webber was appointed to a term expiring on December 31, 2021, which was left vacant when longtime Commissioner John Love resigned in July. Webber, one of four candidates to apply, brings a wealth of experience in business management and consulting for small to large companies. He currently holds positions as President/Principal Consultant of KB2 Performance Management Systems and President/Founder of Statera Fly Rods.&nbsp;“I believe the Port of Whitman County is a valuable contributor to our way of life as residents,” Webber wrote in his application. “As Port Commissioner, I would work to understand the needs and concerns of the residents, the business leaders and the governing officials, and I would take this information into account when making decisions about strategy, direction and policy.”&nbsp;The Port had 90 days to fill Love’s seat. Three other candidates – Charles Petras, James Babb and Nathan Weller – were also interviewed at the October 1 meeting.&nbsp;The three-member Port of Whitman County Commission meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Port Commissioners serve six-year terms. While all Commissioners are elected on a countywide basis, each must live within a specific district of Whitman County. The board’s responsibilities include setting policy, approving expenditures and appointing the Executive Director.&nbsp;###&nbsp;About the Port of Whitman County&nbsp;The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.

 Karl Webber Fills Vacancy Caused by John Love’s Resignation

Port of Whitman County Appoints District 1 Commissioner

Colfax (August 12, 2020) - The Port of Whitman County will hold an informational session 7 p.m. Thursday, August 13, for those interested in applying for the vacant District 1 Commissioner seat.&nbsp;Port staff will share background about the Port and the roles and responsibilities of a Port commissioner. The meeting will be held on Zoom at <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83561948135">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83561948135</a>.&nbsp;Applications will be available on the Port’s website immediately following this session. Applications are due by close of business on Wednesday, September 16. The two remaining commissioners, Kristine Meyer of District 2 and Tom Kammerzell of District 3, will then interview applicants at the board’s October 1 meeting and select the new Commissioner.&nbsp;The person selected will need to run in the next open election in November 2021 in order to retain the seat. The winner of the election will serve out the remainder of former Commissioner John Love's term, ending in 2025.&nbsp;For questions regarding the Port Commissioner seat, please contact the Port office at 509-397-3791 or <a href="mailto:port@portwhitman.com">port@portwhitman.com</a>.&nbsp;###About the Port of Whitman County&nbsp;The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.&nbsp;

August 13 info session kicks off search for District 1 Commissioner 

Port Invites Interested Commissioner Applicants to Virtual Info Session 

Colfax, Washington (August 6, 2020) - Ziply Fiber™ and the Port of Whitman County have today announced a collaboration which will bring the most advanced, purpose-built fiber internet network to new areas of Whitman County for the first time. Construction will take place in Rosalia, Tekoa, Oakesdale, Garfield and Palouse. By entering into this agreement with Ziply Fiber, the partnership allows the Port of Whitman County to save about $1.5 million towards the fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network, which can be redirected to other areas.“At the end of this project, these rural communities will have services on par with the largest urban areas, and that’s really exciting,” said Joe Poire, Executive Director of the Port of Whitman County. “ At the same time, we’re freeing up capital to expand our county’s access to high-speed internet. This is a win-win.”Ziply Fiber, which recently acquired the Northwest operations of Frontier Communications in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, has commited to invest more than $500 million in its network and services throughout the region. The company is beginning fiber build-out and network improvement projects in markets that have never before had fiber, many of which are underserved communities such as Whitman County.“We believe you don’t have to live in a big city to get great internet, especially in this time where so many people across the region work from home and engage with their schools, community groups, friends, customers, and work teams online,” said Harold Zeitz, CEO of Ziply Fiber. We can make the former Frontier network better and that is why we are here improving service for our existing customers, and alongside the Port, enabling new customers in Whitman County to access fiber internet.”The CERB (Communiuty Economic Revitalization Board) of Washington supports the Rural Broadband Program awarding grants and opening the door for partnership opportunities with telecommunications providers such as Ziply Fiber. In turn, a key component of Ziply Fiber’s Northwest-focused strategy is providing the best possible internet services to residents of smaller towns, and stimulating economic development where people have the same needs as in larger cities, but still rely almost solely on DSL or other older technologies for internet connections. Customers will see the best speed, capacity and reliability possible when fiber is introduced.While some of these projects may take time to finish depending on complexity, scale and geography, the builds will start this year and will continue to take place over the coming year. The agreement maintains an open-access fiber optic network.The Port of Whitman County has long championed this model to promotecompetitive services for rural residents.About Ziply Fiber&nbsp;Ziply Fiber is headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, and has major offices in Everett, Washington; Beaverton, Oregon and Hayden, Idaho. Most of Ziply Fiber’s executive team, which consists of former executives from AT&amp;T, CenturyLink and Wave Broadband, either grew up in the Northwest or have spent the better part of 30 years living here. That local ownership and market familiarity is an important part of the company mindset and culture.&nbsp;About Port of Whitman County&nbsp;The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.&nbsp;###

Network build will accelerate service and provide opportunity for economic growth in the region; underserved towns will be first to receive technology boost.

Ziply Fiber™ and Port Partner to Bring Fiber-to-the-Home in Whitman County

EPA has extended the deadline for public comments on the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for temperature on the Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers through August 20, 2020. Comments must be sent by email to <a href="mailto:ColumbiaRiverTMDL@epa.gov">ColumbiaRiverTMDL@epa.gov</a>.<a href="https://portwhitman-web.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/files/Port-of-Whitman-County-TMDL-Public-Comment.pdf">Download the Port of Whitman County Public Comment</a>

EPA has extended the deadline for public comments on the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for temperature on the Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers through August 20, 2020.

Port Commission Issues Public Comment on EPA Temperature Report

Colfax (July 16, 2020) - The Port of Whitman County is seeking a new member from District 1 to appoint to its commission.&nbsp;Qualified candidates must be registered voters residing in District 1 of Whitman County. The precincts encompassing District 1 are the same as the County Commissioners and can be found here.&nbsp;The new commissioner will replace John Love, who served on the board for 24 years.&nbsp;Port staff will hold a virtual informational session, “Port Commissioner 101,” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, to share background about the Port and the roles and responsibilities of a Port commissioner. The meeting will be held on Zoom at <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83561948135">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83561948135</a>.&nbsp;Applications will be available on the Port’s website following the August 13 session.&nbsp;The two remaining commissioners, Kristine Meyer and Tom Kammerzell, will then interview qualified applicants and select a replacement for the vacant position. The person selected will need to run in the next open election in November 2021 in order to retain the seat. The winner of the election will serve out the remainder of Love's term, ending in 2025.&nbsp;For questions regarding the Port Commissioner position or the boundaries of District 1, please contact the Port office at 509-397-3791 or <a href="mailto:port@portwhitman.com">port@portwhitman.com.</a>###About the Port of Whitman County&nbsp;The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.&nbsp;

Informational session set August 13 for all interested candidates

Port Commission Launches Search for District 1 Commissioner 

Colfax (June 18,2020) - After more than 24 years, the Port of Whitman County’s longest-serving commissioner will leave his seat next month.&nbsp;John E. Love, District 1 Commissioner, announced his resignation at the Commission’s June 18 meeting.&nbsp;“It has been one of my life’s greatest pleasures to serve on this Commission for the past 24 years,” Love wrote in a letter to the board. “Enacting policies that truly improve the lives of my fellow citizens of Whitman County has been both an honor and a privilege.&nbsp;However, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my position, due to several personal reasons.”&nbsp;Love’s last day will be Wednesday, July 15. He has five years remaining on his fifth six-year term, and the Port is now seeking a commissioner to complete the remainder.&nbsp;After the announcement, Commissioner Kristine Meyer thanked Love for his mentorship.&nbsp;“John, I know that’s hard but I just want to let you know I don’t think that I could have done this – taken this position – without your mentorship and your leadership here. My tenure has certainly been short but it’s been that much more gratifying and enjoyable for your leadership.”&nbsp;Commissioner Tom Kammerzell also expressed his regret at the announcement.&nbsp;“You are going to be terribly missed, John,” Kammerzell said. Love first took office in January 1996 after winning a three-way election to replace Robert Heglar, who served on the board for 18 years. In an interview with the Lewiston-Morning Tribune, Love said he ran for a seat on the port board for the challenge.&nbsp;"I'm very impressed with what the commissioners and the managers have accomplished since their inception," Love told the Tribune. "Being very favorably impressed, I can see there's a challenge to continue striving for accomplishments and I think there's a great opportunity for the people of Whitman County and for the Port of Whitman, and I guess the ego is that I would like to be a part of it."&nbsp;Over the course of his tenure, Love’s leadership contributed to several of the Port’s major achievements, including the development of Pullman Industrial Park and Port of Whitman Business Air Center, receipt of legal authority for ports to build telecommunications infrastructure and vast improvements to Boyer Park &amp; Marina.&nbsp;Love also represented Whitman County in the broader port and maritime industry. A former rear admiral in the United States Navy Reserve, Love’s leadership skills landed him seats on ports and waterways boards across the state. He served as secretary of the Washington Public Ports Association in 1998, vice president in 1999 and president in 2000. He also served on the board of Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, and was recently awarded the 2018 Distinguished Service Member Award from the organization.&nbsp;Ego was never present in Love’s approach to public service, Executive Director Joe Poire said. “John is a real statesman. The Port rode on his leadership at the state and federal level, as he was always asked to be on boards and committees,” Poire said. “John’s leadership provided the Port a conduit to everybody. He opened doors that this Port had not experienced before. He brought the Port to a whole new level, and all the while he did it with great humility.”&nbsp;A history of Love’s accomplishments will be presented to the Commission, including Love and his family, at its regular July 2 meeting.&nbsp;The two remaining Port Commissioners, Kammerzell and Meyer, will appoint a new commissioner from District 1 within 90 days of the resignation. The person selected will need to run in the next open election in November 2021 in order to retain the seat. The winner of the election will serve out the remainder of Love's term, ending in 2025.&nbsp;###About the Port of Whitman CountyThe Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.&nbsp;

Commissioners, staff to celebrate more than two decades of achievement 

Longtime Port Commissioner John Love announces resignation 

Colfax (April 8, 2020) - After careful consideration regarding the health and safety of its community, exhibitors and staff, the Port of Whitman County has made the difficult decision to cancel the annual Snake River Family Festival, scheduled for May 30.&nbsp;“We are very disappointed that we cannot host this year’s festival for our community. It has become a cherished celebration of our river, and we will miss seeing all of our wonderful exhibitors and attendees,” said Joe Poire, Executive Director. “But we do know this is the right decision based on the public health guidelines we have today.”&nbsp;Following Gov. Jay Inslee’s extended stay-at-home order through May 4, the Port decided cancelling the festival was the best way to respond to Washington’s COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;The Port explored postponing the festival to August, but ultimately decided that harvest and back-toschool time would preclude too many people from participating.&nbsp;“We’re expiring many ‘firsts’ right now: our first ever virtual commission meeting, and now our first festival cancellation,” Poire said. “We appreciate our community’s patience and understanding during these unprecedented times. Fortunately, these times will not last.”&nbsp;Port Commissioners and staff look forward to celebrating the Snake River once again in early summer 2021. The free, family-oriented festival draws about 500 people to Boyer Park &amp; Marina in Colfax each year to celebrate the multi-faceted Columbia-Snake River System.&nbsp;###About the Port of Whitman CountyThe Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.&nbsp;

In support of public health guidelines, the festival will not take place until 2021 

Port of Whitman County cancels 2020 Snake River Family Festival

Colfax (March 30, 2020) - Per a proclamation by the governor, the Port of Whitman County will hold remote-only commission meetings and public records inspections through at least April 23.&nbsp;On Tuesday, March 24, Gov. Jay Inslee signed Proclamation 20-28 suspending all in-person requirements in the state’s public records and open meetings laws. The measure is intended to reduce unnecessary person-to-person contact amid the spread of COVID-19. It lasts until midnight April 23 unless extended.&nbsp;It temporarily prohibits public agencies, such as the Port, from holding in-person meetings.&nbsp;“Waiving this requirement works to prevent the gathering of people to further curb the spread of the virus,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.&nbsp;The proclamation also suspends agencies from taking action during a meeting unless the matters are “necessary and routine” or “necessary to respond to the outbreak and current public health emergency.”&nbsp;According to RCW 42.30.030, "action" means the transaction of the official business of a public agency by a governing body including but not limited to receipt of public testimony, deliberations, discussions, considerations, reviews, evaluations and final actions.&nbsp;In response to the proclamation, the Port’s Commission meetings will be held fully by teleconference. To call in, please dial 1 (605) 313-4415 and enter the access code 623969.&nbsp;The teleconference number and access code will be posted on meeting agendas, as well as the Port’s website and Facebook page prior to each meeting.&nbsp;The commission meets next on Thursday, April 2, at 10 a.m.&nbsp;The governor’s proclamation also temporarily suspends the Public Records Act (PRA) requirements for agencies to respond to requests for public records within five business days, and to maintain business hours for public inspection and copying of records for a minimum of 30 hours per week.The Port will implement these provisions as follows:&nbsp;1. In-person inspections of records at agency offices during the time the proclamation is in effect will not be scheduled.&nbsp;2. Instead of in-person interactions, requestors should call the Port’s public records officer at 509- 397-3791 or send an email to publicrecords@portwhitman.com.&nbsp;3. While the proclamation is in effect, the Port may not be able to provide requestors an initial response within five business days; the PRA response time period is suspended pursuant to the proclamation. However, we will continue to respond promptly and to the greatest and fullest extent possible.&nbsp;Although the Port is unable to interact with members of the public in-person through April 23, staff remain available by phone and email during normal business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Staff contact information can be found at <a href="https://www.portwhitman.com">www.portwhitman.com</a>.&nbsp;###About the Port of Whitman County The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.&nbsp;

Proclamation temporarily prohibits in-person contacts with public 

Port of Whitman County implements Governor’s Proclamation 20-28

Colfax (March 23, 2020) — To better protect the health of our community and staff, the Port of Whitman County will close its office to visitors effective immediately.&nbsp;Port staff remain available by phone and email during normal business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Staff contact information can be found at www.portwhitman.com. Business operations will resume to the fullest extent possible.&nbsp;“We are committed to playing our part in slowing the spread of this virus,” said Joe Poire, Executive Director. “We have been preparing for the last few weeks. Staff tested working remotely last week. Our invoices were paid early. Several commissioners and staff participated in the most recent commission meeting fully by phone.”&nbsp;The Port will publish teleconference details with each commission meeting agenda online at <a href="https://www.portwhtiman.com">www.portwhitman.com</a>. Members of the public are highly encouraged to attend by phone. The commission meets next on Thursday, April 2.&nbsp;###&nbsp;Information on COVID-19 is available from the following sources:&nbsp;<ul><li>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</li><li>Whitman County Public Health W</li><li>Washington State Department of Health</li></ul>About the Port of Whitman County&nbsp;The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.&nbsp;

Staff remain available by phone and email

Port of Whitman County office closes to visitors 

Colfax (March 2, 2020) — As national interest turns to the Columbia River System, the Port of Whitman County encourages the Palouse community to make their voices heard.&nbsp;The Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Bonneville Power Administration released a draft environmental impact statement on the operation of the Columbia River System on Friday, February 28. This started the clock on a 45-day comment period, which ends April 13.&nbsp;The release of the 5,000-page report represents a significant milestone, as the Army Corps of Engineers last conducted an environmental impact study on the river system in 2002.&nbsp;“It has been 18 years since the last time we had this opportunity,” said Joe Poire, Executive Director. “These opportunities are rare and should not be wasted. As people from all over the nation weigh in on this document with their interests, we who live at ground zero have this same opportunity.”&nbsp;The Port believes the preferred alternative identified in the Columbia River System Operations Draft Environmental Impact Statement (CRSO DEIS) rightly avoids the extreme measure of dam breaching.&nbsp;The loss of barging would be detrimental to Whitman County and our reputation as the nation’s leading producer of wheat.&nbsp;More than 1,100 farms risk bankruptcy if the federal government does not increase farm subsidies. With wheat prices already down near the break-even point, annual direct payments to farmers would need a boost of $38.8 million to maintain current income levels.&nbsp;In addition, the loss of irrigation of nearly 48,000 acres would result in a $500 million social welfare loss. The consequences of dam breaching – far from solely impacting agricultural communities such as Whitman County – would be felt across the greater Northwest region.&nbsp;The draft EIS concludes that power blackouts could become a reality. Without the 14 federal dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the threat of region-wide blackouts would double – a crisis for which we are not prepared.&nbsp;“I can’t remember having a blackout in my lifetime living here,” Poire said.&nbsp;Breaching the lower Snake River dams could also cost up to an additional $1 billion annually to replace the energy alone and raise customer rates by 25 percent or more.&nbsp;In addition, replacing the dams with natural gas generation would add 3.3 million metric tons of CO2 to the region every year.&nbsp;“River navigation produces the most energy-efficient, low-carbon emission transportation system in the nation,” Poire said. “It is human nature for people to take for granted the low-cost, clean energy that hydropower produces, while demanding there be no impact.”&nbsp;By identifying the preferred alternative, federal agencies acknowledge the world-class investments in fish passage facilities completed over the years that now allow over 95 percent of fish to pass each of the federal dams safely. Breaching the dams would pose very negative consequences to our community while yielding only marginal improvements to salmon recovery.&nbsp;The Port remains hopeful this report will serve as a positive communication tool to discuss the myriad benefits of the Columbia-Snake River System.&nbsp;“I hope when people from other parts of the country read this report it helps them understand why people in the region feel so strongly about retaining this river system,” Poire said.&nbsp;The first and nearest opportunity for Palouse residents to provide public comment will take place 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at the Lewiston Red Lion Hotel, 621 21st St. Verbal comment up to two minutes in length may be given publicly or privately. During the meeting, computers will be available for online comment submittal, or written comments may be deposited in a collection box.&nbsp;Between now and April 13, written comments may be submitted online, via postal mail or by delivery. For details, please visit <a href="https://crso.info">crso.info</a>.&nbsp;The Port will provide fact sheets and other resources during the 45-day comment period at <a href="https://www.portwhitman.com">www.portwhitman.com</a>. Port staff are also at the ready to assist members of the public in understanding and forming comments on the draft EIS at 509-397-3791.&nbsp;###Additional information on the Snake River Dams is available from the following organizations:&nbsp;Pacific Northwest Waterways Association:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.snakeriverdams.com/ ">http://www.snakeriverdams.com/&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="ttp://ourworkingrivers.com/our-rivers/snake-river">http://ourworkingrivers.com/our-rivers/snake-river&nbsp;</a>Northwest River Partners:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://nwriverpartners.org/snake-river-dams/">http://nwriverpartners.org/snake-river-dams/</a>&nbsp;Bonneville Power Administration:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.bpa.gov/news/pubs/FactSheets/fs-201603-A-Northwest-energy-solution-Regional-power-benefits-of-the-lower-Snake-River-dams.pdf">Regional power benefits of the lower Snake River dams</a>&nbsp;About the Port of Whitman County&nbsp;The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

First public comment meeting slated for March 17 at Lewiston Red Lion Hotel

Port of Whitman County encourages public comment of river system

Read full press release <a href="https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/community-grants/state-board-approves-2-4-million-for-rural-development-projects/">here</a>.

The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) announced today $1,974,742 in loans and $503,631 in grants for economic development, public infrastructure development and economic feasibility studies targeting business growth...

The Port of Whitman County has received a Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) award for local access road improvements for facilities at the Port of Wilma

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