Port board checks out

Port of Whitman County commissioners and staff on Thursday, Feb 6, went to Boyer Park and Marina to see improvements made since the new concessionaires, Leo and Terri Haas of Clarkston, took over operation from long-time concessionaire Dave Peterson.

Kara Riebold, who has been overseeing Boyer projects for the port, took commissioners and port staff on a brief tour of the newly renovated restaurant and motel. Commissioners remarked the new paint and new flooring throughout the building made it look refreshed.

The port commissioners recessed the port meeting for lunch to try some of the items on the new menu and the commissioners complimented the chef on the cuisine. The lunch menu ranges from clam chowder and salads to hamburgers and fish. The dessert menu includes New York style cheesecake, tiramisu, “Death by Chocolate” cake, brownies and crepes with gelatto and fruit topping.

Terri Haas said they have Sunday dinners and plan to have Sunday brunches in the near future. The restaurant stays open until 8 p.m.

The port plans to spend $100,000 this year on improvements to the marina and park. For the next two years, the port plans to remove and plant trees.

The park and marina is a 56-acre full service marina and campground on the Snake River that features more than 150 slips for boat moorage. The park also has 28 shaded campsites for RVs with full and partial hookups and many tent sites.

The park also has a good-size swimming beach. It also features the 3.5 mile Snake River Trail, a pedestrian and bike trail that stretches from Almota Creek through Boyer Park and on to the base of Lower Granite Dam.

Rates also were increased this year.

In the campground, hookups range from $40 a night to $400 monthly and $18 per night for tents.

Almota Inn rates range from $70 to $152. Roll away beds are available and there are pet fees, complementary coffee and pastries, and a 10 percent restaurant discount.

Boat moorage on the locked docks ranges from $18 to $45 daily, $85 to $280 weekly, $150 to $350 monthly and $900 to $2,400 yearly for boats from 20 feet and under to 56 feet. Moorage on the unlocked dock is $15 daily, $50 weekly and $80 monthly.