Waterfront Development Update
The new glass façade arising on the waterfront is evidence that Sheppard’s
Sheppards new building under construction
new 20,000 square-foot building at Waterfront Business Park is nearing completion. The 1.93-acre parcel on the corner of N. 2nd Street at Riverside Drive will soon be home to one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the Hood River Valley. Sheppard’s will offer assembly, repair and sales of agriculture machinery at its new site, opening later this spring.
The first phase of construction is in progress at the former Expo Center property along Portway Avenue. The first two of four total buildings under development are planned at approximately 15,000 square feet each. According to Claudia von Flotow of Key Development, completion of the first phase should occur by the end of summer. The second phase will occur along North 2nd Avenue, and is anticipated in 2018-19.
Bridge Lighting Upgrade
New LED roadway light fixtures were purchased from Twice the Light, Inc. for installation on the Hood River Interstate Bridge at a cost of $28,440. John Mann, Port Facilities Manager, said the existing lights were outdated, in disrepair, incurred high electrical costs, and had been an ongoing maintenance issue. Gorge Electric’s installation costs were included in the proposal. The project qualified for an Energy Trust of Oregon incentive program for reimbursement of $5,775, and a Klickitat PUD incentive of $2,160, making the net cost to the Port $20,505. Twice the Light estimates annual energy savings will be over $3,000 per year.
Farewell to two Port Staff Members
Laurie Borton announced her retirement as Marina and Office Manager, effective March 1, after 16.5 years with the Port. Borton says she’ll miss interacting with Commissioners, customers, and Port service providers, but she is ready for more flexibility to spend time with family. She looks forward to increased time with her five grandchildren — aged three to 12, all in the Portland metro area — as well as more time with her mother. “Laurie has earned the affection and admiration from generations of Port staff for her work ethic, collaborative nature and positive attitude,” Port Executive Director Michael McElwee said. “She will also be missed by her colleagues, Commissioners, Port tenants and businesses for her responsiveness and professionalism.” Borton worked at United Telephone for 26 years before joining the Port of Hood River. She’s married to Greg Borton, fire chief at Wy’east Fire District.
Liz Whitmore has moved on from the Port of Hood River to a new position as project manager with Key Development for a downtown Hood River venture. Whitmore was Waterfront Coordinator for the Port for four years, managing primarily recreation-related projects along the Waterfront as well as water sport schools and concessions. She was a lead team member for the construction phase of Nichols Basin West Edge Trail and the Hook Launch and Trail. “Liz built strong relationships with many waterfront stakeholder groups and completed projects that significantly improved pedestrian pathways and water access,” said Port Executive Director Michael McElwee. “The waterfront has been greatly enhanced by her efforts over the last four years.”
Waterfront Parking Management Plan
In cooperation with the City of Hood River, the Port has developed a Parking
Waterfront parking management plan in development
Management Plan with consultation from Rick Williams Consulting for the waterfront area, and has received public comment. The Port is now working with the City’s ad hoc committee on next steps.
New Bridge Tolling System Hardware
In the coming year, the Port plans to replace the lane loops that read axle counts with new electronic toll collection readers. The new system will offer less expensive sticker transponders for customers. The new ETC readers will be multi-protocol readers for existing and new transponders. A contract was approved by the Port Commission for toll system hardware upgrades for the migration to a new tolling system with consultation from HDR Engineering and P-Square Solutions.
The Port also approved a contract with P-Square Solutions, LLC, for implementation of an integrated IT infrastructure and architecture for the bridge tolling system in the amount of $97,777. This upgraded system would enable the Port to integrate to an all-electronic tolling system. This will enhance security, backup and data retrieval for the web portal.
Like Us on Facebook, Follow Us on Twitter
The Port of Hood River established social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter last year to enhance real-time communications with bridge users and Port constituents. The Port invites you to “like” the Port’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/PortofHoodRiver/ and “follow” the Port’s feed on Twitter at Twitter.com/PortofHoodRiver.

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The Port of Hood River’s current financial condition is summarized in this overview based on the detailed Audit Report for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2016. Two key government-wide statements specify the Port’s Net Position and changes. Net Position – the difference between assets and liabilities – is one way to measure the Port’s financial health. 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 planning with regard to the Port’s mission and strategic plan, general administration, and a portion of support services. The Bridge Repair and Replacement fund is a Special Revenue Fund used to record capital improvements, repair and replacement activity associated with the bridge as well as any 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 fund called the Revenue Fund which records the following fees: bridge tolls; lease revenues from industrial, commercial and mixed-use properties; rent for marina boat slips and airport hangars; fees for recreational events 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. Port assets exceeded liabilities by $39,291,242 at the fiscal year close, representing a $1,558,865 increase over the prior year.
Table 1 depicts an increase in total assets of $2,860,371, which is primarily attributable to a $2 million in loan proceeds less development costs for the Lower Mill site, plus the gain on sale of waterfront land for development.
The largest portion of the Port’s Net Position, at 79%, are net investment 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. Restricted Net Position total of $833,660 represents cash and investments that are legally restricted for debt service related from bridge bonds. Finally, the remaining $7,569,590 is unrestricted meaning it is available to meet the Port’s ongoing obligations.
Statement of Activities
As with the statement of Net Position, the Port reports governmental activities by the two distinct funds, the General Fund and the Bridge Repair and Replacement Fund. As indicated in Table 2, total Net Position of the Port increased by $1,558,865 or 4% compared to the prior year.
Governmental Activities – The Net Position for governmental activities increased $334,311 or 5% from the prior year. This increase is primarily due to higher interfund transfers from the enterprise fund to the governmental funds for capital improvements and professional services related to the fall 2015 bridge allision.
Financial highlights of governmental fund activities for the year include:

Nearly $326,000 in bridge allision-related costs, with $45,121 in lift span improvements.
Property taxes continue to increase around 2.3% as projected.
Debt service remained stable.
Personnel costs increased $27,000 (including additional staff time dedicated to bridge allision).

Business-type Activities – Business type activities generated a $1,224,554 (4%) increase in the Port’s total Net Position. The financial results for this year include a $343,275 increase in toll revenues (9.4%), with bridge traffic accounting for 5.6%. The remaining 3.8% relates to the elimination of toll tickets and a discount reduction for electronic tolling customers. In 2016, the Expo Center and adjacent parking lot were sold to a private developer, and a vacant parcel on No. 2nd Street and Riverside Drive was sold to provide commercial/industrial development. These property sales and the write-off of the Wasco tenant lease improvement amounted to a gain of $1,320,336. Capital grants continued to play an integral role to the Port, with over $470,000 received in 2016 (including $260,000 for environmental clean up of Lower Mill site, $42,485 for Hook launch area development, and $61,377 for the airport master plan).
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 61% of operating revenues. Lease revenues and other fees increased slightly. The Port had a 94% occupancy rate as the year ended. 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, which includes airport improvements, infrastructure along the waterfront, and light industrial properties. The Port receives an operating grant from the Oregon Marine Board to assist in the operations of the Marina. Federal Aviation Administration grant funding generally requires a 10% match. The Port continues to develop light industrial properties that may result in new tenants and jobs. The Lower Mill site and undeveloped land at the waterfront (Lot 1) will hold 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’s Chief Financial Officer Fred Kowell at fkowell@portofhoodriver.com.
 

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Port President Brian Shortt
As the current commission president, I’m pleased with what the Port of Hood River accomplished this past year. The waterfront continued to expand with new developments and increased year-round public use of the waterfront trail and parks. Progress is being made on an important industrial park development project in the Mid-Valley, and groundwork for significant development at the Airport is underway.
In the coming year, the Port will enter a period dominated by planning — typical of the cyclical nature of our activities and projects.
It is important now for our Port to think strategically by examining and evaluating the highest and best uses of properties as well as emerging trends in our local and regional economy. The upcoming Spring Planning Session will focus the Port’s resources to continue facilitating strong employment and quality of life opportunities.
We need to aim for projects that can benefit the community by encouraging avenues to job skills training in technology and manufacturing, and then create opportunities for private investment to occur with a labor force to match the demand.
This planning process can establish a foundation on which the community at large, Port staff, and commissioners can debate, discuss, and turn into active planning. Once we have established that foundation, future elected officials can bring their talents to the long term goals when they enter into public service.
In the near term, challenges we face in Port operations center on an aging interstate bridge and completing commercial developments consistent with the needs of our constituency.
There are now close to 400 jobs located at the waterfront and 60,000 vehicles entering the Event Site during summer. We need to follow up with improved wayfinding signage, parking and restroom management, and develop creative approaches to distributing the demands along the entire waterfront.
Spring budget discussions for the Lot 1 subdivision will focus on infrastructure funding and the types of tenants the Port Commission seeks for that location. With public/private collaboration, we can more reasonably afford the required infrastructure, while ensuring employment objectives along with possibilities for educational and workforce development components that could benefit community members seeking skilled employment opportunities.
This is an exciting time to participate with the Port of Hood River. The waterfront continues to grow in jobs and recreation, a Mid-Valley industrial park is being developed and the Airport employment opportunities look promising. We have balanced development with recreation and environmental stewardship.
2017 will be a GREAT YEAR!
Sincerely,
Brian Shortt, Port Commission President
 

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January

A $60,000 grant was accepted by the Port from the Oregon Business Development Department for Lower Mill Environmental Remediation.
The Port closed on Lot 300 at the Lower Mill Site, adding 2.36 acres to the industrial land development site.
The Riverside property sale to Sheppard’s closed on January 19 at a price of $649,374.
Sheppards new building under construction
Pfriem Family Brewers became the sole tenant in the 20,000 square foot Halyard Building when a lease was finalized for Suite 104.
Staff continued the investigation related to the damage on the Hood River Interstate Bridge resulting from a suspected allision with a barge tow last fall.

 
February

OneGorge sponsored “A Gorgeous Night Out” with information/advocacy receptions held in Salem and Olympia.
High school senior Payton Rigert began her semester-long internship at the Port, assigned to research, article writing, implementation of a digital filing system, and digitization of historical photos.
Port intern Payton Rigert
The Hook Waterfront Trail project was awarded to Emery & Sons Construction Group in the amount of $75,024. A $25,895 grant from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and a $20,000 contribution from Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District helped fund the project.
A contract was ratified with Advanced American Construction, Inc., for fabrication and installation of two Lift Span Guides for the bridge at a cost of $62,000.
A joint meeting with the Port of The Dalles convened for discussions of potential collaborative efforts to enhance the region’s economic zones.

 
March

A new portofhoodriver.com website was launched with improved navigation, ecommerce functionality, and a streamlined process for document sharing. The site was developed by Gorge Web Design.
Commissioner Brian Shortt and Special Projects Manager Genevieve Scholl attended the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association’s Mission to D.C.
An application to designate the Hood River Interstate Bridge as part of the National Highway System was approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Long-time Port employee Glenn Brittenham retired after 28 years of service as toll-collector.
Glenn Brittenham
After completion of a Lot 1 concept plan begun by Walker|Macy, Berger Abam was retained for planning services associated with development of the subdivision application.
Utility design work for Lower Mill Site was completed, and requests for bids issued soon thereafter.
The Port of Hood River held its Spring Planning Work Session, an in-depth opportunity for the Commission to provide direction to staff for the annual budget process and updating of the 10-Year Financial Model.

 
April

The Port’s budget committee met to review the proposed agency budget for Fiscal Year 2016-17.
The Hook Trail opened to the public, connecting the waterfront trail to the new rigging area at The Hook.
The Hook Trail
A contract for engineering drawings for the reconfiguration of the South Taxiway at the Ken Jernstedt Airfield was approved in the amount of $173,489, with 90% of funding provided by the FAA.
JAL Construction completed the mass grading and clean up at Lower Mill Site, and free clean mulch became available to the community.

 
May

A new Lost & Found policy was adopted limiting Port storage and inventory to items of higher value, and low value items like flip-flops and towels to be placed in a public bin located at the Event Site. The new policy should decrease staff time required to manage the Lost & Found.
An agreement was executed to permit the National Geographic vessels Sea Bird and Sea Lion to overnight on twelve dates at the Cruise Ship Dock.
Subrogation engineers evaluated the Lift Span on the Hood River Interstate Bridge for the potential insurance claim resulting from the allision.
A picnic table with a plaque honoring former Port Commissioner Don Hosford and his wife Virginia was installed at Marina Park.
P-Square Solutions installed two of the four lane controllers at the toll booth as part of Phase I of their project work plan. Lane 1 and 2 lane controllers would be installed in late June.

 
June

An oil train derailment in Mosier created major traffic backups on Interstate-84 and the Hood River Interstate Bridge.
June 3, 2016 oil train incident
The FBO agreement was assigned from Classic Wings Aero Services to Hood Tech Corp., Aero, Inc. (TacAero).
A contract was approved with DKS Associates for a Bridge Signage Needs Assessment.
Lift span engineering and testing services were approved with Parsons Brinkerhoff and HDR Engineering.
A glider concession at the Hood River Airport was approved for Hood River Soaring.

 
July

The Port Commission convened for its second Hood River Interstate Bridge Replacement Work Session to discuss the different approaches to consider as well as goals, assumptions and timelines.
Trenching and excavation work for the new power conduit around Marina Green was completed.
The Port made progress on wetland and site planning on the Airport north ramp, with coordination between Century West, Vista GeoEnvironmental Engineering and Schott & Associates.
Engineering intern Andrew Porter, a recent graduate of Santa Clara University, completed work on a Stormwater Plan for Lot 1 before heading off to grad school at University of Pennsylvania.
A $1.36 million ConnectOregon VI grant was awarded for the “Hood River Airport Aviation Technology and Emergency Response Center” at the Ken Jernstedt Airfield.

 
August

Good wind, weather, and lots of customers made the 2016 season a great one for kiteboarding, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboard lessons and rental concessions.
The Marina fuel pump was replaced. The $13,992 project was funded in part by the Oregon State Marine Board.
An Executive Director Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2016-17 was approved by the Port Commission.
The Queen of the West at the new landing location
A new ceilometer, which measures the height of clouds, was purchased and installed to upgrade the Airport’s AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System) at a cost of $27,500.
The large cruise ship vessels The AmericanPride and Queen of the West continued landings at a new location next to the Commercial Dock outside the Marina Jetty.
Nichols Basin West Edge Trail ribbon cutting
The completion of Waterfront Trail was celebrated with a ribbon cutting at the Nichols Basin Trail plaza, attended by funding and community partners.

 
September

The Hood River Fly-In, held September 10-11, experienced record attendance with 538 aircraft on Saturday.
A record year for the Fly-In
Beam Excavating achieved final completion on the utility project at the Lower Mill Industrial Site.
Pacific Power removed the transformer on Marina Green and planned removal of the chain link fence around the transformer, placement of Century Link telephone cabinet underground, as well as grading and grass seeding the area.
The Port accepted a grant for $237,510 from the FAA for a revised south taxiway design at the Ken Jernstedt Airfield. The Port’s match was $23,751.
n Foundation and utility work was underway in the Expo project redevelopment by Key Development.
The Hood River Interstate Bridge lift span returned to full operational status after repairs were completed and new equipment installed to stabilize the vertical lift.

 
October

Anne Medenbach and John Mann completed inspections of all Port buildings and properties to identify maintenance issues and plan for improvements in the coming year.
The Port contributed $5,500 to the Community Energy Plan, a joint agreement with the City, County and the Port to lower energy consumption and increase the use of renewable resources. Marla Harvey will lead the effort as the Clean Energy Coordinator/Planner.
Waterfront Coordinator Liz Whitmore presented the 2016 Waterfront Annual Report to the Port Commission. The completion of the Waterfront Trail in late summer was the lead news in the report.
Port Commission and staff worked on legislative strategies and goals related to the replacement of the Hood River Interstate Bridge.

 
November

Installation of new GFCI breakers at pedestals on north C Dock continued in efforts to resolve reoccurring electrical issues on the dock.
The Port Commission held its Fall Planning Workshop on November 15 featuring wide-ranging discussions on key initiatives and policy matters facing the Port in an effort to provide general direction to staff.

 
December

The Port submitted an application for federal “FASTLane” funding for pre-construction activities associated with replacement of the Hood River Interstate Bridge; including a Final Environmental Impact Statement, preliminary engineering, and right-of-way acquisitions. The request included a project cost of $8.71 million for a grant amount of $5.05 million and a local match of $3.66 million.
The FAA approved reclassification of the Ken Jernstedt Airfield runway to a Utility designation in line with its actual use by smaller weight aircraft without instrument approach landings. The Non-Utility designation was unsuitable for instrument approaches by larger aircraft due to surrounding mountainous topography.
A contract with Kapsch TrafficCom IVHS Inc. was approved for Toll System Hardware Upgrades in the amount of $281,579, while another contract for $97,777 was approved with P-Square Solutions LLC for Toll System Architecture.
Moorage rules and regulations for 2017 were approved by the Port Commission.

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