From the Port of Hood River Winter 2020 newsletter:
Looking forward in early 2020, I’m struck by what an exciting time this is at the Port of Hood River, and what a significant time to be a Commissioner. Cooperation among and between governing bodies on both sides of the river at Port, City, and County levels is the order of the day, positively contributing to a rapidly evolving regional economy and identity.
For our Port, I expect we will actively pursue joint efforts with a strategy of leveraging our collective resources and encouraging enthusiasm for the Mid-Columbia region, when and where possible.
A couple of examples of this for our Port would be, first, working with public transit agencies to help secure seamless fixed-route service connecting Gorge communities and Portland. In the last year we’ve seen several separate bus lines linking up, offering new services, or expanding current services to connect Goldendale, The Dalles, the Hood River Valley, Mt. Hood Meadows, Cascade Locks and Portland to Hood River. A second great example for our Port was taking on the risk of developing the former Lower Mill industrial site, converting brownfield to shovel-ready light industrial lots available for purchase, or build to suit.
All areas of Port activity — Waterfront Recreation, Marina, Airport, Commercial Rental, Real Estate Development, Bridge Operation, Bridge Replacement, and Economic Development — contribute to making Hood River the special place it is. Our Port Commission is committed to participating as a partner in keeping it special.
John Everitt,
Port Commission President