Port of Whitman County commissioners consider purchase of trash compactor

Port of Whitman County commissioners March 6 approved a request to research the possibility to purchase a trash compactor for Boyer Park and Marina.

Port Director Joe Poire told the commissioners that the trash compactor itself would cost almost $24,000. The entire project which includes a concrete slab, fence and lighting would cost about $40,000, he said.

“We’ll place it upwind of the park,” Poire joked and then assured the commissioners there would be little or no odor. It will be placed west of the park, as far away from the campsites as it can be.

“This will save us money and a lot of time and will save money on the garbage bill,” he said

The compacted trash would be hauled by Empire Disposal. They estimate hauls would be made once a month.

Poire said that Upper Columbia Academy in Spangle has used the same type of compactor for the last 20 years.

The port board requested a report about the cost of electrical hookup expenses that would be involved in the project.

Debbie Snell, Port Manager of Properties and Development, reported she met with Southeast Washington Economic Development Association representatives at Boyer to discuss how to market the park, marina and restaurant.