From the Fall 2017 Port Newsletter
The Port of Hood River welcomed three new Commissioners — Ben Sheppard, John Everitt, and David Meriwether — to its board in July after a broadly-contested May special districts election.
Each new Commissioner brings unique expertise, background, and characteristics to the board, although they also communicated mutual interests in serving the district.
Ben Sheppard, Position #1
Sheppard is a fifth-generation Hood River native who grew up in the area and returned 12 years ago after attending college and some years living and working in Portland. He is a partner in his family’s business, Sheppard’s, which offers assembly, repair and sales of agriculture machine products. The company relocated to its new building on the waterfront this year after 85 years in downtown Hood River.
John Everitt, Position #2
Everitt has been part of the Hood River community for 17 years and an Oregon resident for 45 years. He’s been a partner at Current Commercial Property Management since 2011, and was previously a residential builder in Hood River and Portland. A former member of the Hood River County Planning Commission, Everitt also served on the budget committees for the Port of Hood River and Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District.
David Meriwether, Position #3
Meriwether has lived in the Gorge for 16 years and served as Hood River County Administrator for 15 years prior to retiring last summer. He has over 30 years experience in local government as a city manager or county administrator. He grew up in Arkansas and relocated to Oregon in 1996. His experience working with federal, state and regional partners is an asset for the Port.
The three new commissioners shared common ground in their campaigns and now, as board members, all seek to work on the major challenges facing the Port: replacement of the Hood River/White Salmon Interstate Bridge is seen as paramount to the area’s future economic growth; maintenance of the existing bridge and ensuring its safety until a time it can be replaced; continuing to support economic development, including development of remaining industrial properties in thoughtful, sustainable, appropriate ways consistent with community values; belief in partnerships and collaboration with other governmental bodies; and continuing to contribute to the quality of life in the area, including serving the recreational needs of the community.
Port Commissioners Hoby Streich (serving since 2002) and Brian Shortt (serving since 2011) are now senior board members among the new commissioners. The three outgoing commissioners, whose board terms expired, are Fred Duckwall (who served since 2001), Jon Davies (who served since 2009), and Rich McBride (who served since 2011). Streich was elected Port President for the 2017-18 fiscal year, with Shortt serving as Vice President. Each commissioner serves a four-year term after elections, beginning July 1 of the year elected.
New BreezeBy features coming soon
From the Fall 2017 Port Newsletter
Two significant customer convenience enhancements are rolling out for the Port’s BreezeBy system as part of the larger Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system upgrade the Port initiated over a year ago. A new web portal for BreezeBy customer account management will be added to the Port’s website in late fall, and later, BreezeBy customers will be able to use their home accounts for toll travel around the Western U.S. and parts of British Columbia.
The Port plans a two-phased approach for the customer web portal launch, with accessibility for existing BreezeBy customers occurring in late October, and functionality to open new accounts online coming in late November. BreezeBy customers will receive more information and account tools in the mail once the web portal launch is complete.
The ETC system upgrade occurred earlier this year, and the new web portal underwent beta testing this past summer. The upgrade includes a transition to multi-protocol sticker-style transponders, enhanced security, and the more robust customer account management web portal on the website. Customers will have access to their accounts for real-time account deposits and transaction activity. (The old system updated individual account adjustments every 24 hours.)
Further, the system upgrade enables the Port to make the switch to more universal, lower cost transponders. Now, the cost for a new regular vehicle transponder is $5, a significant savings from the $15-$30 original models. The moveable transponders will be phased out over the course of the next 6-18 months. The Port plans to phase out all old transponders eventually in order to join a regional movement of interoperability in the western region – enabling toll payment via BreezeBy for other toll roads and bridges throughout the west that use the same system.
The interoperability, requested by the U.S. Department of Transportation, divides the U.S. into four regions, each with its own toll system protocol. The Western region protocol (called 6C) allows drivers to travel from San Diego, CA to Vancouver, BC and as far east as Denver, CO using the 6C protocol, which the Port’s new technology matches. This technology allows tolling authorities to pass tolls between entities from a customer’s home tolling authority. “That means BreezeBy customers would be able to use their accounts to pay tolls in the Seattle-Tacoma or San Francisco Bay areas, as well as many other western U.S. locations,” says Fred Kowell, Port chief financial officer, who is overseeing the transition. “It’s especially a benefit to trucking companies that travel extensively and will more easily be able to manage toll payments in various regions.”
Three other U.S. regions share protocols for interoperability. The Northeast region has offered interoperability for close to 10 years, while the Mid-West rolled out its specific technology more recently. The Southeast region’s system is still under development.
The Port will continue its currently policy regarding transponder purchases. Each household may receive one free transponder, and additional transponders can be purchased for the $5-$27 cost, depending on type. Issuance of new transponders began August 1 after new lane loops were installed and passed systems tests.
The new BreezeBy software operating system was designed, developed and implemented by P-Square Solutions, a custom software development and consulting company with expertise in tolling systems, specifically for the Port of Hood River. P-Square Solutions will continue providing tolling system support services to the Port.
Lot 1 subdivision plan submitted
From the Fall 2017 Port Newsletter
After an extensive concept planning period, the Subdivision Plan for Confluence Business Park – commonly known as Lot 1 – was submitted in July to the City of Hood River for review. The parcel, over 14-acres in size, represents the final large land mass available for development on the Hood River waterfront.
The Lot 1 concept planning process began five years ago with the intention of maintaining a vital mix of industry and recreational uses on the waterfront. Walker|Macy created the final development plan for the Port based on considerations that arose in a lengthy public process and visioning period finalized in early 2016. The Lot 1 Development Plan prefers an urban form similar to recently developed waterfront buildings that abut sidewalks to create edges to the business park.
BergerABAM was contracted late last year for planning services to prepare the Confluence Business Park subdivision plan, which identifies legal lots in the large parcel. The subdivision will set the stage for future development with the intent of meeting the community’s needs for additional employment, improved circulation and recreational access. The subdivision includes six lots ranging in size from .45 acre to 1.74 acres and two tracts (one private street with public access and nearly five acres of open space).
Access to the site has been a primary concern and the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Interchange Area Management Plan (IAMP) the City of Hood River’s Transportation System Plan (TSP) are integrated into the plan, establishing a local circulation system for multi-modal access and improved circulation in the important exit 63 interchange area.
All parcels proposed for Confluence Business Park are zoned Light Industrial (LI). A sub-area allows for commercial concessions. Each lot will meet site and building design requirements through separate and concurrent Port and City design and review processes.
A City decision on the Confluence Business Park subdivision plan is expected late fall.
Bridge Futures
by Michael McElwee, Port Executive Director
From the Fall 2017 Port Newsletter
The Oregon Legislature recently passed two pieces of legislation that increase prospects for replacement of the Hood River/White Salmon Interstate Bridge, one of the Port of Hood River’s highest priorities.
House Bill 2750 would allow a new bridge to be built through a partnership between a private business and the Port of Hood River. While Oregon statutes allow the State to participate in public/private partnerships (P3), the same authority did not extend to other public agencies. HB 2750 enables the Port to consider a P3 option if that is determined to be the best plan moving forward. With limited public funding available for major infrastructure projects, this development is significant. It allows the Port to consider innovative options to address the significant challenge of funding bridge replacement. It also conveys other authorities to the Port similar to those granted to ODOT on matters such as tolling, construction contracting, and enforcement. In sum, HB 2750 enables this community to choose a replacement option that best addresses its needs, while removing potential barriers to completion.
House Bill 2017, the widely discussed Transportation Funding Package, will provide $5 million to the Port of Hood River to carry out crucial pre-development steps for potential bridge replacement. These include a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a thorough geotechnical assessment, traffic modeling and detailed financial analyses. These actions increase the certainty of obtaining required permits; decrease construction risk (underlying geology is a significant area of cost exposure); and determine the most appropriate financing methods for bridge replacement. HB 2017 has very positive implications for our state’s overall transportation system. Including funding for the Hood River/White Salmon Bridge in the the state transportation package recognizes it as an integral part of the regional transportation system.
HB 2750 was approved due to the sponsorship and advocacy of Rep. Mark Johnson and Sen. Chuck Thomsen throughout the legislative session. Any piece of legislation is challenging, but these elected officials were able to build bi-partisan support in both chambers. The Port and this community were well served by their efforts.
Although these are very positive steps, replacement of the Hood River/White Salmon Bridge is not assured. Building a large piece of bridge infrastructure in a relatively low population area with decreasing levels of federal funding is a significant challenge. Unfortunately, under any foreseeable scenario, the bridge will likely be a toll facility. Tolls are the only possible source of the significant local match required for federal grant funding, and a P3 would rely almost entirely upon tolls to repay borrowed capital. And, if bridge replacement planning and funding efforts are ultimately unsuccessful, it will be incumbent upon the Port to keep the existing antiquated bridge safe and operational for as long as possible. That will require significant funding — capital repair costs alone are expected to exceed $25 million in the next 15 years. This fall, the Port Commission will consider a staff proposal to raise tolls early in 2018. The proposal will include a $1 increase in cash tolls and a 20 cents increase in BreezeBy tolls.
Although any toll increase is undesirable, Port staff believes it will be necessary to respond to either of two futures: the opportunity to replace the current bridge or the costly reality of maintaining the current structure. The path forward will become more clear in the next several years.
Around the Port, Fall 2017
From the Fall 2017 Port Newsletter
East Waterfront Trail
The far-east section of the Port’s waterfront trail was recently improved and widened at the connection to the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn shoreline path near the Hood River Interstate Bridge. Crestline Construction built and landscaped the new concrete section.
Port Staff News
Melissa Child retired at the end of June after 21 years working for the Port of Hood River as Finance Specialist. “Melissa has always been very capable and productive, and a vital asset to the Port’s financial operations,” relayed Port Executive Director Michael McElwee. “She is already missed.” Port employee Janet Lerner assumed Melissa’s position.
Jean Hadley retired September 30th after ten years at the Port. Jean’s many contributions ranged from assisting in two BreezeBy system upgrades, help with records retention, archiving and front desk support. “Jean’s positive energy, good humor and constructive ideas benefited the Port in many ways and she will be greatly missed,” McElwee said.
Steve Carlson joined the Port as Waterfront and Marina Manager at the end of May. The position includes managing waterfront improvements, concessions, scheduling events, and managing the marina. Carlson has owned and operated Carlson Chandler Home Inspections in Hood River for nearly 20 years. His experience also includes property management and construction, and he’s been a member of the Port of Hood River Marina Committee.
Marcela Diaz joined the Port staff September 6 at the front desk as Office Specialist. Before joining the Port, Marcela worked as shipping coordinator and customer service representative at Wy’East Laboratories for six years. She has been a Hood River resident for the past 26 years and is a Hood River Valley High School alum. Marcela is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Summer interns
An active summer resulted in the Port engaging more interns in one season than ever before. Here’s how each contributed to Port projects while gaining work experience.
Austin Keillor, an Industrial Engineering student at Oregon State University, primarily worked on waterfront parking data collection and analysis to expand on the Port’s 2015 parking study and input from a Port/City Ad Hoc committee on waterfront parking solutions. Keillor collected hourly parking occupancy data over nine days plus turnover rates on seven days in July and August on Port, City and private parking areas. His report analyzed the data and assessed the financial feasibility of a paid parking system on Port-owned waterfront lots. The report should assist the Port and City with further decisions on of waterfront parking management.
Natalie Kowell researched Washington state legislative opportunities for bridge replacement funding, plus interoperability of tolling and enforcement. Kowell was assigned to research, identify and create a plan similar to Oregon legislative achievements for the 2018 short session in Washington state, particularly the need for tolling reciprocity and enforcement agreements between WSDOT and the Port. She also examined public tolling policy related to public and privately funded toll facilities in Washington. Kowell is a student at Chapman University majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies/Political Science.
Eric Cuevas prepared an assessment of the location of invasive weeds on the waterfront that will help the Port with weed management programs next spring. He also prepared a thorough assessment of safety conditions on the waterfront. Cuevas’ position was partially funded through a grant from the Special Districts Association of Oregon. Eric is a 2017 graduate of Hood River Valley High School interested in pursuing a career in aviation.
New bridge warning signs
New bridge warning signs are planned for eastbound and westbound lanes on Interstate-84 and Washington State Route 14 near the Hood River Interstate Bridge approaches; intended to provide improved advance warning of narrow lanes, weight and height restrictions on the toll bridge. Installation is planned this fall by Coral Construction on the Oregon side. WSDOT crews completed Washington side installation this summer.
Bridge maintenance
The Port Commission approved a contract with Stafford Bandlow Engineers for bridge lift span inspection and testing services. The scope of work follows the 2016 analysis of key portions of the lift span’s mechanical and electrical systems which led to better understanding of, and repairs to, the span drive motors, machinery and skew systems. The cost of the contract is $50,000 and further inspections should determine whether rehabilitation or replacement of span drive motors and upgrades to skew controls would be beneficial.
Abhe & Svoboda was the low bidder for the Auxiliary Truss and Floorbeam Repair project at $367,770 also scheduled to start in September. The work entails repairs to floorbeams plus auxiliary brace connection plate and rivet replacement, and necessary painting. Plans prepared by HDR Engineers outline a detailed scope of work.
Bridge deck welding continued this August by Port facilities crew, with short morning work shifts scheduled to avoid significant backups. Regular repairs to the steel deck have been required the past five years due to a chronic defect that results in decking joint cracks.
Expo Project update
Shell and core work is nearing completion on two buildings under construction by Key Development on Portway Avenue at the site of the former Expo Center property. Enclosure is expected in late October while interior finishes will occur late fall/early winter.
Each building shares a similar floor plan with 5,000 square feet on each level for a total of 15,000 square feet per building. Light industrial workspace is planned for the first floors, with limited commercial space (offering river views from expansive windows) on the second levels and a mix of professional and light industrial office space planned for the top levels. A public plaza will connect the buildings, while a shared elevator and catwalk will connect the structures’ second floors. Ferment will occupy the first and second floors of the east building, with Blue Collar Agency and Riverkeeper sharing the third level of the west building.
Electronics Assemblers expands
Electronics Assemblers (EA), a Port tenant for close to 25 years and one of Hood River’s oldest tech companies, nearly doubled its lease in the Big 7 building and plans to also increase employment. The company’s space grew from 11,000 to 20,000 square feet this past summer, and EA expects to add over 10 employees to its current staff of 41. The increase in space will accommodate not only the increased workforce, but will also make room for automation equipment. The company manufactures and distributes electro-mechanical assemblies for other companies. The Port completed tenant improvement work and repairs to portions of the third floor as well as construction of a new hallway on the second floor, performed by local contractor Dan Homer.
New dog park planned
An Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Port of Hood River and Hood River Valley Park and Recreation District paves the way for construction of a new dog park adjacent to the Portway Avenue cul-de-sac at The Hook entrance. A five-year lease was granted by the Port and improvements are required to be made by Parks and Rec by December 31. The park space, just under an acre and linear in layout, will include seven parking spaces and ideally a future connection to the Waterfront Trail.
Port in the News
The Port of Hood River was featured in a front page article by The Columbian newspaper of Vancouver, WA declaring the Port’s waterfront development an “inspiration” and great example to be followed in other areas, including Clark County. Also, the summer issue of The Gorge Magazine featured a historical piece about the Hood River / White Salmon Interstate Bridge written by local writer Peggy Dills Kelter. The article describes highlights of the structure’s 93-year history as well as its significance in the region and its challenges for modern-day utility.
