Port okays project at Colfax airport

Port of Whitman County commissioners Sept. 18 approved a capital improvement plan for the port’s Business Air Center at Colfax.

The $2.3 million project slated for 2015 includes runway construction, lighting and taxiway rehabilitation among other improvements.

Debbie Snell, port properties and development manager, said the FAA will pay 90 percent of the cost of the project, state DOT five percent and the port will pay the remaining five percent.

Teri Hielsburg, port accountant, told commissioners that state auditors submitted the audit report for 2013 and found no corrections, no non-compliance and no findings.

“They gave us a good opinion,” she said.

Snell also reported to commissioners that Hinrichs Trading Co., Pullman, wants to purchase an old shop building at the Port of Wilma. She said Hinrichs, who constructed a warehouse at Wilma, has no definite plans for the shop building.

Commissioners also discussed a request for financial support from the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association (SEWEDA). The request is for $6,000 to add 10 more hours per week for Whitman County’s district manager for SEWEDA. Commissioners tabled the subject until they begin examining the budget.

Port Director Joe Poire told commissioners that the Moscow-Pullman Airport board most likely will not request any funding from the port for improvements at the Moscow-Pullman Airport.

Poire said that property owned by Commissioner Tom Kammerzell might be involved in wetlands mitigation.

Kammerzell has recused himself from any involvement between the port and the airport project.

Linblad Cruise Company has requested use of the dock at the Port of Wilma. Snell said the cruise ship usually docks at the Port of Clarkston, but the company is concerned about low water at that location. After commissioners discussed the subject, they approved the request from Linblad.

Poire also mentioned to commissioners that a Portland newspaper reported on the salmon migration record runs. He said the runs are native fall chinook, not hatchery fish, and that this is the second year the runs have increased. He believes it’s partially because of passage improvements inside the dams along the rivers.

Port commissioners also noted that the Oct. 2 meeting will be with local legislators.