Michael McElwee
The Port is engaged in a diverse range of projects and activities. Each week, it seems, there are new opportunities, challenges and initiatives to consider. The Annual Report provides detail about some efforts, but there are many less visible. Here are a few of those other stories and recognition of some who have provided positive contributions.
The City
The Hook has been closed this winter for construction of a new sewer outfall. The City of Hood River has managed this challenging project well, and the contractor, Emery & Sons, has been stellar. The Port piggy-backed construction of a new path, seat wall and rigging area onto the City’s work. Users of the Hook should be pleased by the changes.
Youth Sailing
The Marina is increasingly becoming a hot spot for youth sailing. Jamie & Andy Mack (Gorge Junior Sailing), Lars Bergstrom (High School sailing team), and many at the Hood River Yacht Club have been passionate, positive leaders in this effort. Sailing is available to anyone, at little cost, and provides an exciting new focus of activity in the Marina. (Sign up for Gorge Junior Sailing through Community Ed.)
Airport Advisory Committee
There is a committee for nearly everything, but the volunteer AAC, chaired by Jeremy Young, is one that provides particular energy, expertise and leadership in enhancing our small aviation jewel, the Ken Jernstedt Airfield. The work of the AAC and the success of WAAAM are reasons why the FAA has allocated $3 million for upgrades in the next four years, and the Airport is in a positive position to receive another $1.3 million from the State.
OneGorge
We know that an effective way to advocate for legislation and projects that help the Gorge is to show collaboration and broad local support. And it’s most effective if public agencies and private businesses advocate together. OneGorge provides the platform. Thanks to over 100 entities that have signed up and aided this effort.
Elected Officials
The contribution by our state and federal elected officials over the past two years has been tremendous. Bottom line: The Nichols Basin path happened quickly because Rep. Walden and Sen. Merkley amended the federal WRRDA bill. Bridge replacement efforts were enhanced because elected officials from both states supported an amendment to the 2015 FAST Act. The bridge is FAST Act-eligible because State Rep. Johnson and Sen. Thomsen supported SB 1510. Well done.
Waterfront Safety
River rescues occur often in summer. The Hood River Sheriff’s Dept. and Marine Deputy Quintin Nelson do a great job with summer patrols of the waterfront. Their visibility increases safe boating behavior and they respond to a number of emergencies. But who most frequently responds when a kiter or windsurfer is in distress? Kiteboard schools, each with a wave runner and rescue protocols; and they are around most days in the summer.
David Meriwether
County Administrator Meriwether is retiring in June. I have rarely met a public official with his combination of common sense, smarts and good nature, or who has earned such high respect from his peers. He has done a lot for this community in deed and in tone. I will also miss his Arkansas humor.
Facilities Staff
Public works employees everywhere do remarkable work, often unnoticed – until a storm event or emergency occurs. The Port has eight employees who do a myriad of construction, repair and maintenance projects. The bridge is always a big focus. Painting the center line at 3:00 a.m.? Climbing the towers to change navigation lights? Overnight traffic control? Check. And many more. People say Port facilities have never looked better. They are the reason why.
There are other stories and many other individuals who have a positive impact on your port and deserve recognition. We hope to share more another day.
Around the Port – Spring 2016
Sheppard’s breaks ground
Rendering of Sheppard’s development
Construction begins this spring on a new waterfront building for Sheppard’s, one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the Hood River Valley. C.M and W.O. Sheppard purchased 1.93 acres of land at N. 2nd Ave. and Riverside Drive in January for $649,374 after fulfilling requirements of its Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) with the Port.
The company plans to construct a 20,000 square-foot light industrial building for assembly, repair and sales of agriculture machine products. The project is moving along as scheduled, with substantial completion expected in late 2016.
Lot 1 Concept Planning Update
Lot 1 conceptual design
A development plan for Lot 1 is now complete, outlining critical considerations that include development goals and objectives, Lot 1’s high visibility, preliminary construction cost estimates, and schedule. Walker|Macy completed the plan after a public process and visioning period balancing cost factors, funding options and community needs.
Design guidelines and job density requirements will be developed reflecting existing covenants. A center swath through Lot 1 is planned to serve as a view corridor from town to the river, with pedestrian access and vegetated storm water runoff treatment. At this time, the Port plans to maintain ownership of rights-of-way and lot leasing is assumed, although the Commission has yet to determine its lease/sell strategy.
This conceptual subdivision and infrastructure plan serves as a basis for the preparation of a subdivision application to the City of Hood River sometime this year. The Port will select a consultant to work on a subdivision application this spring, which will identify legal lots.
Hook Trail Project
Hook Trail drawing
Another major trail improvement is underway on Hood River’s waterfront as the City and Port work toward the completion of the Hook Trail project. The City’s sewer outfall relocation project will soon be complete, laying the groundwork for the City’s portion of the Hook Trail project, which includes paving an asphalt extension of the existing trail; from the northwest corner of the Maritime Building to the northwest point of the Hook.
The Port’s portion of the project includes construction of a synthetic turf rigging area, stone seat wall, and solar light bollards lining the asphalt path. Emery & Sons Construction Group is carrying out the work. A $25,895 Oregon Parks and Recreation Department grant and a $20,000 contribution from Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District have helped fund the projects. The City’s share of the project should be completed in late March, with the Port’s portion finished later this spring.
Lower Mill Site redevelopment in progress
Lower Mill Redevelopment Site partition plat
Three industrial lots will soon be available at the Port’s recently acquired Lower Mill Site as progress continues on redevelopment on this M-1 (Industrial) zoned site.
After the recent purchase of 2.36 acres of neighboring land, the total site acreage is 12.36, sub-divided into lots ranging from 1.9 to 4.76 acres available for sale. Fill and grading work is 75% complete and will resume after two solid weeks of dry weather. The Port is now working on bringing utilities to individual lots, with onsite utilities out for bid this Spring.
For more information about the Lower Mill Site or other Port property available for lease, contact Anne Medenbach, Property & Development Manager for the Port of Hood River, 541-386-5116.
pFriem now sole Halyard tenant
pFriem Brewing
pFriem Family Brewing is now the sole tenant at the Port’s 20,000 square-feet Halyard Building on the Hood River Waterfront. The craft brewery has experienced rapid growth since opening in 2011 as the first Halyard tenant in one of four units.
Almost immediately, the company expanded into the neighboring suite, and added an outdoor patio. In 2015, the brewery took over Suite 103 when PocketFuel ceased operations, and early this year the company signed a lease for Suite 104 at Halyard when small manufacturing firm Real Carbon moved to the Port’s Big 7 Building.
pFriem’s expansion aids the brewery in boosting production capacity up to 20,000 barrels of beer annually. They are expecting to produce over 10,000 barrels this year, compared to their initial 1,500 barrel output in 2012. The extra space will help the company significantly expand production of barrel-aged ales. pFriem currently has 60 employees, and was recently named Oregon Brewery of the Year at the Oregon Beer Awards.
Hood River News: Sewer outfall project almost done on Hook
First published on March 30, 2016, this article by Kirby Neumann-Rea provides an update on the Hook Trail project that was included in the City’s sewer outfall relocation project.
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