Port of Hood River – Port of Hood River

May 24, 2023

Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Replacement seeks input on toll increase options at open house events

Hood River, OR – Members of the public and interested parties are invited to upcoming open house events to learn about the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Replacement project and provide input that will inform future toll pricing.

Open house events:

Wednesday, May 31 – White SalmonTime: 4:30-7 p.m.Location: White Salmon Library Gallery, 77 NE Wauna Ave, White Salmon, WA 98672

Wednesday, June 7 – Hood River Time: 4:30-7 p.m.May Street Elementary School Gym, 1001 10th St, Hood River, OR 97031

Online open houseThis forum will launch May 31 and will accept input through June 14.Check hoodriverbridge.org on or after May 31 for the link to join.

Increased tolls are necessary to build a new bridge. The Bridge Replacement Bi-State Working Group is considering two tolling options, which will be presented at the open house events. The Port of Hood River Board of Commissioners will decide which package to pursue based on feedback from these events and input from the Bi-State Working Group, so those impacted are encouraged to attend.

The in-person events will be bilingual (English/Spanish), drop-in style events where members of the public can review informational displays, get answers from project staff members, and provide input on tolling considerations. The events will not include formal presentations. Spanish-language interpretation and handouts will be available, as well as activities for children and light refreshments.

Learn more about the bridge replacement project at hoodriverbridge.org.

May 23, 2023

Financial State of the Port – Fiscal Year 2022-23

The Port of Hood River’s current financial condition is summarized in this overview of financial performance and activities for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Two government-wide statements report the Port’s Net Position and changes from prior years, both helpful measures of the Port’s financial health. Net Position is the difference between assets and liabilities. Government-wide financial statements of the Port are divided into two categories:

Governmental funds – The Port maintains two governmental funds: the General Fund and the Bridge Repair and Replacement Fund. The General Fund records transactions related to policy making and strategic planning based on the Port’s mission and values, and support services. The Bridge Repair and Replacement Fund is a Special Revenue Fund used for capital improvements, planning, inspections, repairs and replacement activity associated with the bridge, as well as debt-related activities.

Business-type funds – Business type activities are used to distinguish operating revenues and expenses from non-operating items. The Port maintains an enterprise Revenue Fund which records fees and receipts from: bridge tolls; leased property; marina boat slip and airport hangar rent; and recreational events, parking and programs.

Statement of Net Position

Net Position serves as a useful indicator of a government’s financial position especially when viewed over multiple time periods. The Port’s Net Position on June 30, 2022 was $51,347,142, representing a $1,104,873 increase over the prior year.

Table 1 depicts an increase in total assets of $13,602,005, primarily attributable to receipt of a $5,000,000 BUILD grant from the US Department of Transportation for the bridge replacement effort. Leases added $6,711,075 lease receivable to assets. Capital outlay increased by $820,404 related to capital improvements to the existing bridge to keep it safe and functioning while the bridge replacement effort continues.

The largest portion of the Port’s Net Position, at 75%, are invested in capital assets (e.g. bridge, land, buildings, and equipment) and reported net of accumulated depreciation less any outstanding related debt. The Port uses these capital assets to provide services to the public; thus, they do not represent resources available for future spending. A Restricted Net Position of $286,300 represents cash and investments that are legally restricted for debt service related to the marina flex lease debt and a taxable general revenue bond. Finally, the remaining $12,697,117 is unrestricted, meaning it is available for meeting the Port’s ongoing obligations. The decrease in unrestricted net position of $1,640,143 from last year is attributable to the use of cash and investments for the capital projects incurred during the year.

Statement of Activities

As with the statement of Net Position, the Port reports financial activities by its two distinct fund types: Governmental and Business-type. Table 2 illustrates the Port’s total Net Position increased by $1,104,873, or 2.2%, compared to the prior year.

Governmental Activities – The Net Position for governmental activities increased $1,061,943, or 11.1%, from the prior year. This increase is primarily due to higher inter-fund transfers from the enterprise fund to the governmental funds for bridge planning and reimbursements from a State of Oregon grant which funded the final environmental impact studies for bridge replacement efforts.

Financial highlights of governmental fund activities for the year include:

• Higher interfund transfers by $815,255

• Lower capital improvements as compared to prior years on the existing bridge.

Business-type Activities – Business type activities generated a $42,930 increase in the Port’s Net Position. The financial results for this year include a $331,865 increase in toll revenues (5.8%) over the prior year. Lease revenues from industrial and commercial properties increased $327,768. Recreation revenue increased by $32,843. Marina and Airport tenants incurred a rate increase that amounted to $59,715 over the prior year. Operating grants increased by $470,698, mostly from reimbursement from the American Rescue Plan Act for tolling losses that occurred during the pandemic. Capital grants decreased by $2,471,746 due to the Airport north apron construction being completed in the summer of 2021.

The Revenue Fund showed a $42,945 improvement in interest earnings, while Other Sources decreased $604,980 due mostly to lower levels of other revenues and market value of investments. Operating expenses were slightly higher by $350,666 due to payroll, benefits and depreciation contributing to this higher level of costs. Higher levels of payroll and capital improvements in the General Fund and Bridge Repair & Replacement Fund, respectively, drove the change in Transfers by $815,550.

Financial Analysis and Outlook:

The Port is involved in a variety of activities that contribute to the economic health and vitality of the community. The major source of funds for Port operations continues to be the toll bridge, accounting for 63% of operating revenues, excluding grants. Lease and fee revenues showed higher revenues, with a 95% occupancy rate at year’s end.

The Port receives property taxes that account for 1% of total revenues. Capital grants continue to play a vital role in how the Port develops its properties, including the airport and waterfront. The Port receives a marina operating grant from the Oregon State Marine Board. It continues to develop light industrial properties that may result in new tenants and jobs, while undeveloped land at the waterfront (Lot 1) holds future opportunities.

The Port looks at its business units in the following categories: Bridge, Leased Properties, Undeveloped Property, Recreation, Marina, Airport and Economic Factors.

Request for Information – A full Financial State of the Port with more detail can be found online at portofhoodriver.com. If you have questions about this report or would like additional information, please contact the Port of Hood River at porthr@gorge.net or (541) 386-1645.

May 23, 2023

2022 Year in Review

JANUARY

The Port accepted a $32,000 grant from the FAA Airport Rescue Grant program for airport operational expenses.

The Port approved issuance of a statement of support for the Bi State Bridge Authority legislation in the Oregon and Washington legislatures.

Patty Rosas was promoted to the new Contracts Administrator position. Patty manages all Port legal agreements and public records retention practices.

Melissa Manzo accepted a full-time position as Office Specialist providing front-line customer service and administrative support for the office and toll booth operations.

FEBRUARY

An environmental site investigation at the Jensen Building was completed with a No Further Action letter received from Oregon DEQ.

Facilities Department staff replaced the limit switch on the north end of the lift span after metal expansion from an extreme heat event damaged the device.

The Live Load Testing and Field Verified Load Rating Report prepared by BDI, Inc. was completed and results were reported to the Commission.

The Bridge was closed to vehicle traffic for approximately five hours beginning at midnight on Friday, February 25, as Port crews made required repairs to the bridge’s lift span rocker bearing.

MARCH

The OneGorge Advocacy Group prepared gift bags and produced an informational video for presentation to Oregon and Washington legislators to raise awareness of Gorge priorities. Senator Chuck Thomsen and Rep. Gina Mosbrucker helped distribute gift bags in the capitols.

With the easing of COVID restrictions for indoor meetings, the Port Commission resumed in-person public meetings with a Zoom hybrid option.

The Port Commission authorized a contract with Massana Construction Inc. for fabrication, construction and delivery services associated with the Boat Ramp Launch Floats and Repair project.

Hood River Soaring received a new wooden propeller for its tow plane, purchased with Port funding to support noise reduction. The company provides glider rides, instruction and related services.

Yolanda Rolon joined the Port team as a part-time customer service representative.

The Port Commission heard a presentation from the Hood River County Energy Council and authorized a funding request of $10,000 for FY 2023.

APRIL

The Port Commission held its Spring Planning Work Session on April 5. Discussions related to finances, long-term fiscal sustainability and 10-year financial planning took place the first part of the session. The second part focused on key issues for the Bridge, Bridge Replacement, Lower Mill, the Airport, and Waterfront.

The Port submitted two large grant proposals to support construction of the Anchor Way extension and relocation of N. 1st Street in preparation for future development of Lot 1. Both requests were unsuccessful, but progress continues on this important road and utility infrastructure project.

Construction of the new rigging area at the Hook was completed, funded by a grant from Travel Oregon and support from the Columbia Gorge Wind and Water Association (CGW2).

A local community group organized a clean-up of the Spit and areas of the Sandbar on April 23rd.

Cruise ships restarted docking in Hood River in early April, continuing until early November.

Marcela Diaz was promoted to Office Manager/Finance Specialist.

MAY

The Port’s Budget Committee, comprised of five volunteers who are residents of the Port District, met on May 3 to discuss and provide recommendations to the Commission for its FY 22-23 budget.

The Port accepted a $5 million Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund Grant to support bridge replacement planning and engineering.

The Port issued a Notice of Intent to Award and entered negotiations with HNTB Corporation for project management services for the bridge replacement project. The Replacement Bridge Management Contract firm will represent the Port and Region’s interests in managing both the engineering/design and construction contracts. Michael Shannon, FE assumed the role of Project Director.

The Port submitted a $195 million grant application to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation Multimodal Projects Discretionary Grant program for bridge replacement.

Port facilities department staff completed a repair to the rip rap bank near the waterfront trail.

The speed limit on the Bridge was lowered from 25 mph to 15 mph based on engineers’ recommendations to help mitigate damage to the bridge deck and supports.

Waterfront concessions and schools started setting up and most were open for business by mid-May, looking ahead to a busy season.

JUNE

A contract with Wiss, Janey, Elstner Associates was approved for inspection of the bridge’s wire ropes.

The bridge was closed to all vehicle traffic for three days on June 24-26 for the approach ramp rehabilitation project, which involved grinding, installation of a waterproof membrane, and repaving of the approach ramps on both sides of the river. The closure caused significant traffic problems throughout the region but was critical to ensure the bridge remains safe and operational until a new bridge can be built.

The Port accepted a $500,000 grant from the State of Oregon for the E. Anchor Way extension project.

JULY

After 16 years of distinguished service, Port Executive Director Michael McElwee retired on July 8. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Port of Hood River and this community over the past 16 years,” McElwee said. “The Port has a remarkable legacy supporting both the economy and quality of life of this community. I am grateful to have played a part.” McElwee has served as the Port’s Director since July 2006.

Port Deputy Director Genevieve Scholl was appointed to serve as Interim Executive Director until a new permanent Executive Director is hired.

Representatives of the Bi State Working Group (Kevin Greenwood and Commissioner Fox of the Port, accompanied by White Salmon Mayor Marla Keethler, Hood River Mayor Kate McBride, and Klickitat County Commissioner Jacob Anderson) joined Port lobbyist Summit Strategies on a trip to Washington D.C. to advocate for the replacement bridge project.

ODOT fracture critical inspections on the bridge were performed July 25-29.

Port Commission officers were affirmed for Fiscal Year 2022-23. They are Ben Sheppard, president; Kristi Chapman, vice president, Mike Fox, secretary, and Heather Gehring, treasurer.

Many major events took place in July: Kiteboard for Cancer (July 8-10), Downwind Champs (July 16), and Gorge Challenge (July 22-24), and Hood to Coast Windy Relay (July 23)

AUGUST

A local favorite, Port-owned public art piece was stolen from its pedestal August 1. The frog sculpture titled “The Thinker,” is the work of Walla Walla artist Ralph Tretheway and was originally installed as part of Art of Community’s annually rotating Big Art project.

New security cameras were installed and security upgrades made at the Port office, toll booth, marina, and preparations were made for new cameras at the airport.

A new AV gas fuel tank was installed at the airport,but electrical infrastructure problems delayed start up.

Ryan Klapprich was promoted to the position of Facilities Supervisor.

Port facilities department crews performed wetland mitigation work at the Lower Mill redevelopment site, providing a significant cost savings for the project and bringing the brownfield conversion project to completion, with industrial-zoned lots now shovel ready for development.

On August 24, the Port and its partners in the Bi State Working Group hosted a federal and state lobbying strategy discussion and familiarization tour for the bridge replacement effort.

SEPTEMBER

The Port accepted a grant offer from the FAA Airport Improvement Program in the amount of $100,000 for Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) improvements at the airport.

Port staff worked hard to prepare airport facilities for the annual Fly-In hosted each year by WAAAM.

The Port of Hood River received notification of the retirement of long-term Port general legal counsel Jerry Jaques after 43 years of service. Issuing an RFQ for a new general counsel was approved.

Volunteers for the Hood River Soil and Water Conservation District gathered on August 30 to hand pull and dispose of Puncturevine at several waterfront locations. Puncturevine is a particularly nasty invasive with very sharp, spiked seed heads that can cause injury and even puncture bike tires.

The Port purchased a large hangar from WAAAM and issued a Request for Interest to assess the best commercial use of the building.

OCTOBER

Kevin Greenwood was hired as the new permanent executive director of the Port on October 1. “We are very fortunate to have had such a strong internal candidate for the ED position in Kevin,” said Port President, Ben Sheppard. “His strong port management background, coupled with his depth of understanding of our efforts to replace the bridge and his diligent leadership of that effort over the past five years were all highly valued in this process. As the port evolves over the next decade, we feel Kevin is the right person to lead that effort.”

The Commission received a report from bridge engineer Mark Libby with HDR Engineering on the results of the recent fracture critical inspection and the load limit.

The Commission directed staff to issue a Request for Developer Interest (RFDI) for property on the North Apron.

The Commission authorized a contract with Hamilton Construction Company for the bridge wire ropes replacement project in an amount of $1,119,250. This project will require a four-day full closure of the bridge.

Bridge Replacement project partners in the Bi State Working Group hosted a tour and information session for Oregon and Washington legislators in Hood River.

NOVEMBER

A contract with James Dean Construction for a stormwater system improvement project on west Portway Avenue was approved in the amount of $313,061.

Commissioner Heather Gehring was nominated for a second term of service on the Hood River Urban Renewal Agency board as one of two Port representatives.

The Commission held a special work session on November 15 to brainstorm and discuss new initiatives and development projects on the waterfront, the airport, and the Lower Mill development site.

DECEMBER

The Port announced the selection of Kristen Campbell and firm Campbell Phillips Law as the Port’s new general counsel, following the retirement of Jerry Jaques.

The Port announced the hiring of Debbie Smith-Wagar as its new Finance Director. Smith-Wagar has served as a consultant to the Port finance department for four years and had over 25 years of municipal accounting experience.

The Washington State Transportation Commission deployed a survey as part of its Traffic & Revenue Study for the replacement bridge, and HNTB launched a second survey to inform the decision of where to locate the future headquarters of the Bi State Bridge Authority. Thank you to everyone who responded to the surveys!

Utility license agreements were finalized with NW Pipeline, CenturyLink, and Spectrum Communications for utility access on the bridge.

May 23, 2023

Message from Executive Director Kevin Greenwood

I was hired as executive director of the Port in October 2022 after serving as the bridge replacement project director since 2017. Though I have been familiar with the replacement effort, it has been enlightening to learn about all the other services and facilities that the Port of Hood River offers the public. I have slowly been taking tours, introducing myself to Port tenants, learning more about the highly popular parks and waterfront Event Site, taking an air tour from the Ken Jernstedt Airport, and doing a couple of shifts in the toll booth. I’ve witnessed so much dedication from all our employees and board members to provide a high quality of life and healthy economic development throughout the Mid-Columbia region.

Without question, the Port is entering a new phase of its 90-year history. In the last 12 months, the Port has transitioned to an entirely new leadership team. The Port has a new executive director (myself), finance director (Debbie Smith-Wagar), bridge replacement director (Michael Shannon) and general counsel attorney (Kristen Campbell). In the next two months, our facilities director (John Mann) will be retiring, as well as the Port’s long serving commissioner (Hoby Streich). Commissioner Ben Sheppard, elected in 2017, will now be the most tenured commissioner.

In addition to the leadership transitions, the Port will be transitioning off bridge toll funding for all non-bridge activities by June 30, 2026. Over the past five years, the Port typically used $1M of the $6M in annual bridge toll revenue to maintain the waterfront parks and recreational areas, the Ken Jernstedt Airport, and port administrative services. The Port will now need to generate new revenue from new sources, build partnerships with other local government agencies, and reduce expenses to meet the 2026 goal. I believe we can do it.

The other big news is the momentum developing around bridge replacement. There is quite a bit of information about the funding for the new bridge in this newsletter, including preparation for a toll increase later this fall that will be needed to fund the new bridge. If you would like to learn more about the project’s financial needs and how tolls will be utilized, please attend one of the two open houses scheduled for May 31 in White Salmon and June 7 in Hood River.

As you can see, there are many changes coming and already underway at the Port. I look forward to working with Port staff, commissioners, and the community to transition through to this new phase. I believe that the Port can continue to be a valuable partner in providing waterfront recreation, aviation-related services, and continue to create jobs and support retention and expansion of local businesses throughout the district. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Kevin M. Greenwood,Port Executive Director

May 23, 2023

Retirement Milestones – John Mann and Commissioner Hoby Streich

Hoby Streich

Hoby Streich was first appointed to the Port Commission in 2002 to fill the seat vacated by Bob Nichols and was re-elected to his position in each of the five elections held since then. His 21-year term is one of the longest ever served by a Port Commissioner, second only to John Weber, who served from 1972 to 1995.

Hoby also served on the City of Hood River’s Urban Renewal Advisory Board from 2003 to 2020, serving as Chair from 2012 to 2015. He highlights the inclusion of construction of downtown public restrooms during the State Street urban renewal project as something he’s proud to have helped make a reality.

Another highlight during Hoby’s service was the completion of the Hood River Waterfront Trail pedestrian access way – a key feature of the Port’s unique approach to waterfront development that incorporated mixed uses of industrial, light industrial, commercial, and recreational use in a relatively small development area. “We had the foresight to know it was important to strengthen all the uses on the waterfront that would create jobs and grow our local economy,” Hoby says. “This was not the norm and it’s paid off for Hood River in big ways.” Everyone at the Port wants to thank Hoby for his remarkable term of service and wish him well on all his coming endeavors.

John Mann

After a 33-year career in construction and project management in the Gorge, John Mann began working for the Port of Hood River in 2014 as the Facilities Manager.

Looking back on the many projects completed under his watch, John highlights the completion of the Waterfront Trail, the restoration of the bridge’s lift span mechanical and electrical systems, and transitioning costly bridge lift services that were formerly outsourced to being done in-house through a rigorous training and development program for Port Facilities Department staff as those he is most proud of.

“Crawling around on that old structure has been one of the highlights of my life,” said John. “I will miss the day-to-day problem solving and being a part of this exceptional team. I will always be grateful for my time serving our community and the great things we have done.”

Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Replacement seeks input on toll increase options at open house events

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