• Bridge
  • Development
  • Airport
  • Marina
  • Recreation
  • Home
  • Current Weather: 46°  Wind: WSW at 2mph
  • 0 items - $0.00

Port of Hood RiverPort of
Hood River

  • TOLLS
    • BREEZEBY
    • PAY TOLL
  • PARKING
    • Waterfront Parking Info
    • Purchase Seasonal Parking Lot Passes
    • Pay Parking Complaint
    • Dispute Parking Complaint
  • About The Port
    • History of the Port
    • Port Commission
    • Staff Listing
    • Meeting Notices & Minutes
      • Live Stream
    • In the Media
      • Newsletter Archives
    • 2014-2018 Strategic Business Plan
    • Governance and Policies
      • Governance Policy
      • Ordinance 23-2018
      • Ordinance 24-2018
      • Non Smoking Facilities & Grounds
      • Real Estate Transaction Policy
    • Budget & Finance
    • Committees
      • Budget Committee
      • Marina Committee
      • Airport Advisory
      • Waterfront Recreation Advisory
    • Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
    • More Info
      • What Is A Port District?
  • Projects
    • RFP Bid Center
      • Gates Memorial Landscape and Seat Wall
      • North Apron Rehabilitation Project
      • Big 7 Building Re-roof
      • Aviation Technology & Emergency Response Center Project
    • Lower Mill Site Redevelopment
    • Lot 1 Development
    • Bridge Replacement Project
  • Properties
    • Port Properties For Sale
    • Properties for Lease
      • Industrial Properties
      • Flex Spaces
      • Office Spaces
    • Submit a Maintenance Request
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Staff Listing
    • Public Information Requests (FOIA)
  • Reservations
    • Reserve the Port Conference Room
    • Reserve the Marina Park Picnic Shelter

November 15, 2016

Around the Port: Fall 2016

Bridge replacement process revived 
Since February, the Port of Hood River Commission and staff have focused intently on possible funding options for replacement of the Hood River/White Salmon Interstate Bridge. The Commission convened a series of monthly work sessions to deliberate various alternatives in order to formulate plans and processes with the lofty goals of securing political support, regulatory approvals and funding commitments to construct a new bridge by 2025.
Formulation of bridge replacement strategies includes consideration of a myriad of financial, political and technical components. With the help of consultants Steve Siegel, Parsons Brinckerhoff, and Thorn Run Partners, the Commission reviewed several options for development, ownership, and management of a new bridge, as well as feasibility for financing options.
Some major assumptions were agreed upon in deliberations:

A new bridge is estimated to cost around $300 million (includes removal costs of existing bridge).
Bridge tolls would likely increase.
Safe operations and maintenance of current bridge required until replacement commitments are certain.
The Port of Hood River plans to pursue advocacy efforts, planning tasks, and financing options to gain momentum in efforts over the next year as it continues to affirm goals, assumptions, and timelines.

 
Lower Mill manufacturing lots available soon
With utilities work complete, lots at Lower Mill Industrial Site are expected to be available for sale this fall as planned. Site preparation completed in spring made way for utility work by Beam Excavating, which concluded in August. Vista GeoEnvironmental was the engineer on the project. NW Natural Gas Company installed gas lines, and Crystal Springs Water District and Odell Sanitation District signed off on project completion. Utilities work, including engineering, cost $260,000.
Three industrial lots will be available for sale, ranging in size from 1.9 to 4.76 acres. “This new industrial park is well-suited to businesses involved in manufacturing and production,” described Anne Medenbach, Property & Development Manager for the Port. Medenbach relayed that the north lot will be available at a later date, due to soil removal and wetland mitigation activities. Clean mulch (non-structural fill) onsite is currently available to the public at no charge. For more information, contact Anne Medenbach at 541-386-5116.
 
Waterfront development update
Progress continues on the redevelopment of the former Expo property, with three buildings planned by Key Development. Two are designed for a commercially-zoned parcel, and one building plan is intended for The Tofurky Company on the Light Industrial parcel. Building plans for the Tofurky building are undergoing modification to serve general LI needs as the vegan food company anticipates rapid growth over the next several years. Key Development informed the Port of changes required to its initial agreement, and that the altered design would utilize the same basic footprint as previously approved. Construction on that parcel is scheduled for next spring.

 
Sheppard’s building progresses
According to Ben Sheppard, the Sheppard’s waterfront building is on schedule for an early spring completion. The structure of the metal building is up as well as the masonry for the store building. A six-week framing window commenced late August for the main store and roof of the metal building. The Sheppards hope to have the structure closed in by November in advance of fall weather.

 
New Bridge signage planned
DKS Associates completed a bridge signage needs assessment that inventoried existing Bridge signage, identified key issues, and offered recommendations for bringing signage up to current standards. DKS is now preparing a Signage Master Plan and will lead implementation of the plan with Commission approval.
The highest priorities recognized were improved communication of the Bridge’s narrow lanes and weight limits, with advance notification signage so vehicles can more easily reroute. The weight limit enforcement is an important issue due to the age and condition of the bridge, and concerns that overweight trucks and vehicles traveling over the allowed speed limits are accelerating its degradation. Additionally, the Port desires the ability to display signage for episodic events that require temporary traffic control such as lift span notifications, routine bridge maintenance, lane closures, traffic congestion, and highway closures. Speed limit signs and simpler, more clear toll information signs were also recommended.
The needs assessment advocates reducing the number of redundant signs and non-standard signs on the bridge and approaches. A new signage plan would specify standard designs that meet national and state requirements.
 
Record attendance at Hood River Fly-In
The annual Fly-In, held September 10-11 at the Ken Jernstedt Airfield, was the biggest, most successful event in Hood River Fly-In history, nearing 4,000 attendees and 538 planes flying in. The annual affair is organized by the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM), and traditionally takes place the weekend after Labor Day. Port staff hosted an information booth with the new FBO, TacAero, to provide information about upcoming development plans at the airport.

 
Bridge allision settlement
The Port of Hood River reached a settlement with its insurance company, Chubb Insurance Group of Philadelphia, over damage allegedly caused by a barge colliding with a support structure. The insurance company payment of $106,000 helps cover engineering specialists and bridge repair for damage to its concrete support pillar and cable connections to the structure’s lift span. The lift mechanism was presumably rocked by the vessel’s impact. HDR Engineering found the north tower was misaligned and span guides were rubbing on guardrails. Although there was no danger to vehicular traffic, the lift span could not be raised until repairs were made. The Port used its resources to locate the vessel that caused damages, but those efforts were inconclusive, which led to the settlement.
 
New Lost & Found policy
Modified Lost and Found procedures for the Event Site that were instituted by the Port in May streamlined the collection and return of lost items this past season, ultimately saving the Port significant staff time. In 2015, the Port collected and tagged close to 500 lost items, with only 33% eventually claimed. Upon evaluation, Port staff found a 78% claim rate was made on more valuable items. The new policy instructed Port staff to collect and log only the more valuable items: boards, paddles, kites, sails, kite bars and lines, booms, masts, life jacket vests, wetsuits, helmets, bikes, scooters, and personal valuables such as wallets, keys, phones or prescription sunglasses. These items are kept at least three months before donation to a charitable organization. Other lost items (like flip flops, books, and water bottles) are stored in bins located at the Event Site, with retrieval based on an honor system. The bins are locked at night, and are cleared out every two weeks. “The new Lost and Found procedures have saved us so much time,” says Melissa Child, Port Finance Specialist. “Both in the collection and tagging of the items, and in servicing folks who come into the office to claim their items. It’s been a huge improvement.”

Read More

Article by Port of Hood River / Fall 2016 Newsletter, In the Media

September 22, 2016

Engineering intern Andrew Porter assists Port with Stormwater Treatment Plan

The Port of Hood River’s engineering intern, Andrew Porter, worked on a Lot 1 Stormwater Treatment Plan this past summer before heading off to graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania.
Engineering Intern Andrew Porter, pictured here with Port staff Laurie Borton, Janet Lerner, Melissa Child, Liz Whitmore, and Anne Medenbach at his big send off potluck. Thanks Andrew!
A recent graduate of Santa Clara University School of Engineering, Porter delivered the results of his study to the Port Commission in early August. Porter was tasked with comparing the 2013 Group Mackenzie “Lot 1 Preliminary Concept Plan” with the 2016 Walker|Macy “Lot 1 Development Plan,” plus incorporating future development requirements for stormwater treatment imposed by the City of Hood River Waterfront Overlay Zone. Porter received input from former Hood River City Engineer Dave Bick, KPFF Consulting Engineers, Bell Design, and Gary Lindemyer.
Porter’s Stormwater Treatment Plan arrived at the following conclusions:

Further geotechnical investigations should be undertaken to confirm the suitability of soil conditions to detain and infiltrate stormwater runoff.
Non-Mechanized Biofiltration Systems, commonly referred to as bioswales, can be installed to provide water quality and quantity treatment for stormwater runoff for up to 90% of 24-hour rain events.
Vegetated conveyance systems can be used to transport runoff from impervious surfaces to bioswales and can be installed at strategic locations throughout the Lot 1 site to assist with stormwater treatment and conveyance.
Stormwater runoff can also be managed through various environmentally-conscious systems, including green or blue roofs, pervious pavement, and limiting conversion of existing pervious surfaces to impervious ones.
Common festival street characteristics, including the elimination of curbs between the sidewalk and street, a uniform elevation cross section, and textured pavements to visually to separate pedestrian and vehicular areas could be implemented along a section of N. 1st to create a festival style street in that area. Various cities locally and internationally have experimented with festival street layouts to a high degree of success.

Porter recommended more research to confirm that on-site stormwater quality and quantity control measures with regards to runoff treatment would meet City and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality design standards. If soil conditions are suitable for sustainable stormwater management systems including bioswales and vegetated conveyance systems, then further exploration of implementing such management systems should be done.

Read More

Article by Port of Hood River / Fall 2016 Newsletter

September 22, 2016

Major Airport improvements planned

As the Port of Hood River plans major multi-phased airport improvements, the agency received word it would receive over $1.3 million in grant funding from this year’s ConnectOregon VI grant cycle for an “Aviation Technology & Emergency Response Center” at the Ken Jernstedt Airfield. Those initial funds, combined with FAA grants, Port funding and private investment, is expected to spur over $7 million in development at Hood River’s airport over the next few years.

Improvements to the airports north ramp have been part of its Airport Master Plan for over 20 years, calling for the relocation of the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) building and additional tie-downs from the south side of the airstrip to the north side. The ConnectOregon VI grant, which comes from the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) funding pool, will cover nearly 60% of the project’s first phase. That work includes site preparation, environmental assessments, installation of water and sewer utilities, grading, paving, and installation of new fuel tanks. Site improvements will also allow for the construction of five new commercial hangars to support the local aviation industry.
The second phase of improvements at the Ken Jernstedt Airfield are to be funded by TacAero, a private investor and subsidiary of Hood Technology of Hood River. TacAero was assigned the FBO lease last May in an agreement with Classic Wings Aero Services and the Port. Phase Two plans include construction of a new, modern FBO facility, an FAA Certified Part 145 maintenance facility, and an FAA Certified Part 141 training academy facility complete with new training aircraft and state-of-the-art full motion simulators.
Expected completion of the first two project phases is in the next two years. Phase Three will complete the upgrades to the north ramp by the end of 2019, 90% of which would be funded by FAA grants. Earlier this month, the Port also accepted a grant for $237,510 for south taxiway improvements design, with the Port’s contribution to the project coming in at $23,751.
The community will benefit from these airport projects in many ways, such as increased safety with traffic flow improvements and the relocation of the fuel tanks; enhanced facilities for testing and development of UAV technologies and new applications; improved airport facilities for all pilots and visitors, meeting new demand created by the growth in aviation tourism; and an enhanced location for firefighting and emergency response personnel with temporary crew quarters.
“These are exciting plans for the Ken Jernstedt Airfield, and we are grateful for the OTC funding that will kick off a long series of improvements,” relayed Port Executive Director Michael McElwee. “The new FBO building will create a new ‘Front Door’ for the airport community, and the other upgrades should support more business opportunities in the area, plus enhance pilot training and emergency preparedness.”
For more information, contact the Port of Hood River at (541) 386-1645 or via email to porthr@gorge.net.

Read More

Article by Port of Hood River / Fall 2016 Newsletter

September 22, 2016

Event Site hosts John and Sharon Chow celebrate 25 years riding the winds in Hood River

John and Sharon Chow have served as the Event Site hosts for over six years, though have been visiting Hood River every summer for more than 25, riding the winds and sharing their expertise and love of Hood River windsurfing with thousands of visitors from all over the world. Every autumn they return to their home in Quesnel, British Columbia, where Sharon coaches youth figure skating. Before they flew north this year we sat down to ask them to reflect on their years hosting visitors and surfing the Hood River Waterfront.

“Every year there’s more and more,” says Sharon, noting the biggest change over the years has been the explosive growth in the number of visitors to the Event Site. “And user groups are changing somewhat. We’ve had more paddle boarders this year than ever. But, the development at the Hook and Nichols Basin is really helping to spread that out a little.” John notes that the closure of half of the campsites at Tucker Park and increased crowding at Viento, Wyeth, and Memaloose has created new demand for overnight camping on the Waterfront; currently not allowed. They both agree that increased police patrols of all Waterfront parking areas in the evening are needed in addition to the Sherriff’s Department marine patrols that increased last year.
Safety on the water during the summer months is their main concern and it shows. “For the newbies, it takes a while to learn the rules – what you can and cannot do — like no jibing inside the buoys and no kite landing or launching during the summer months.” As the kiting on the waterfront becomes a spectator draw, she notes, this is even more important. “Folks who don’t know anything about the sports are drawn to come and watch from shore. This often creates a safety issue.”
John and Sharon both applaud the school concessionaires and their staff for not only helping to educate new windsurfers and kiteboarders about the waterfront safety zones, but also for their quick response when someone gets in trouble on the water. “You have no idea how many times I’ve seen Brian [Schurton, owner of Brian’s Windsurfing] rescue someone in trouble out there,” says Sharon. “It’s almost daily.” She recalls an incident earlier this summer when an overturned sailboat near the mouth of the White Salmon left sailors floating in the river in the path of an approaching barge tow. “Brian sped over there on his jet ski and yanked at least two people out of the way of the barge,” she said.
John and Sharon first discovered windsurfing when their son, Christopher was just 12 years old and they vacationed in the Okanagan Valley in BC in 1990, stopping at Okanagan Lake for lessons. They traveled on to Seattle to do some school shopping and, on a tip from a friend, decided to keep on driving to Hood River to buy gear at Rhonda Smith’s Windsurfing Center. They honed their skills at Harrison Lake in BC before becoming regulars each summer at Hood River’s Marina Beach. Seeing a Port ad for Event Site Camp Hosts in 2002 they decided to throw their hats in the ring and it’s been a great relationship ever since. “We couldn’t do it without them!” exclaims Port Finance Specialist Melissa Child, who oversees the summertime seasonal parking attendants and relies on the Chows to help manage the often overflowing Lost and Found service that, every year, returns thousands of dollars’ worth of misplaced gear to their rightful owners.
While the Chows have already returned to Quesnel (pop. 10,000+), closing out their time in Hood River for the year, we look forward to their return next year with smiles and sage advice for more new visitors to the Hood River Waterfront. Thank you John and Sharon, for another great year – see you next summer!

Read More

Article by Port of Hood River / Fall 2016 Newsletter

September 22, 2016

Bridge lift span resumes operation

The Hood River Interstate Bridge lift span is back to full operational status after repairs were completed and new equipment installed to stabilize the Bridge’s vertical lift. The lift span had been disabled for several months following testing subsequent to the bridge allision that occurred on a support tower last fall.

An inspection following the incident resulted in damage to the bridge deck and span guides.  Since the Columbia River is a federal waterway, the U.S. Coast Guard requires the Port to maintain passage for tall marine vessels in the navigational channel. Since last winter, a Notice to Mariners informed vessels of the lift span closure.
Engineers from HDR Engineering assessed the damage earlier in the year and recommended repairs and improvements to stabilize the bridge’s vertical lift. Two damaged deck panels north of the lift span were replaced in June by Port staff and Bulldog Welding. In August and September, crews from Stafford Bandlow Engineers installed new lift span equipment. Span guides are affixed to the lift span in multiple locations, providing lateral stability as the span is raised. Two lower span guides on the south end were damaged, and new span guides were fabricated to include rollers that allow for smoother movement as the lift span is raised. An inclinometer instrument was installed that monitors the skew angle of the span’s lift. Improved controls and fail-stop mechanisms will provide span stability.
The lift span was successfully raised to 45 feet after a series of limited height testing in mid-August of the new skew monitoring fail-stop system. After multiple tests confirmed proper function, the U.S. Coast Guard was notified that the lift span was functional.
The lift span is raised an average of 14 times per year, and each lift lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Read More

Article by Port of Hood River / Fall 2016 Newsletter

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Recent News and Media Coverage

  • Port District Elections Filing Period Opens February 6, 2021 January 13, 2021
  • Single-lane closure January 14 near WA approach for pothole repairs. January 11, 2021
  • Road regrading to temporarily close some waterfront roads January 5-11. January 5, 2021
  • Waterfront Update December 22, 2020
  • A Letter from Executive Director, Michael McElwee December 22, 2020

Stay Up To Date On Port News And Alerts

Hood River Live Cam

GorgeLive Camera
Hood River, OR
44°
broken clouds
49°
Sat
51°
Sun
52°
Mon
49°
Tue
50°
Wed
extended forecast
Weather from OpenWeatherMap
Port of Hood River
1000 E. Port Marina Drive,
Hood River,  OR  97031
Phone: (541) 386-1645
  • Hood River Bridge
  • TOLL RATES
  • BREEZEBY
    • About BreezeBy Electronic Tolling
  • Traffic Alerts & Announcements
  • Bridge Replacement Project Updates
  • Bridge Replacement Project General Info
  • History of the Hood River Bridge
  • Planned Capital Upgrades
  • Hood River Bridge Quick Facts & FAQS
  • Studies & Reports
  • Airport
  • Noise & Airport Operations
  • Announcements
  • About T-Hangar Spaces
  • Apply to T-Hangar Wait List
  • Airport Advisory Committee
  • Master Plan
  • Ordinance 23-2018
  • Minimum Standards
  • Alternative Grass Landing Procedures
  • History of the Airport
  • Marina
  • Announcements
  • Moorage Information & Wait Lists
  • Apply to be on a Marina Wait List
  • Guest Dock / Fueling Information
  • Reserve The Marina Park Picnic Shelter
  • Hood River Yacht Club Learn to Sail Programs
  • Gorge Junior Sailing
  • Cruise Ship Docking
  • Marina Committee
  • USGS Water & Wind Data at Hood River Marina
  • Live Marine Traffic Map
  • Master Plan
  • Waterfront Access Zone Map
  • General Info
  • History of the Marina
  • Waterfront Recreation
  • Waterfront Parking Information
    • Pay Parking Complaint
    • Dispute Parking Complaint
    • Purchase Event Site Parking Passes
  • Announcements
  • Windsurfing, Kiteboarding, SUP & Kayaking Information
  • Hood River Waterfront Safety Zones Map
  • Lost & Found
  • Reserve the Marina Park Picnic Shelter
  • Events on Port Properties
  • Vendor & Concession Info
  • Current Wind Info & Map
  • USGS Water & Wind Data at Hood River Marina
  • Live Marine Traffic Map
  • History of the Waterfront
  • Waterfront Recreation Advisory Committee
  • Industrial Development
  • Lot 1 Development
  • Lower Mill Site Redevelopment
  • Port Real Estate Transaction Policy
  • History of the Port’s Role in Development
  • Contact The Port
  • Site Map
  • About the Photography
  • Privacy Policy
  • Social Media Terms of Use, Prohibited Content and Disclaimer
  • Public Information Requests (FOIA)
  • Legal Statement

Copyright © 2021 · Port of Hood River

Copyright © 2021 · Education Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in