Port okays design for docks at Boyer Park

Port of Whitman commissioners June 20 approved the final alternative design for the dock replacement project at Boyer Park.

The approved design includes replacing docks one and two and installing a headwalk to connect to other docks. The design would also include a pier that connects to an 80-foot ADA accessible ramp.

The state's Recreational and Conservation Office grant the port intends to seek for the project has a $1 million ceiling. Costs of the option approved last week would be $400,000 more than the other design.

The port received a grant from the Recreational and Conservation Office for the design and planning stage of the project.

The RCO will fund $198,000 of the design project, and the port will fund $77,000 to total $275,000.

Debbie Snell, port properties and development manager, said the port will begin applying for grants in 2020 to fund the actual construction of the dock project through the same program.

Port Chair Kristine Meyer mentioned that during the last Palouse Regional Transportation Planning Organization meeting at Garfield, they approved funding for the Palouse regional trail connectivity plan.

"They will develop a scope of work and analyze gaps in county connectivity to create a priorities list for trails," Meyer said.

The organization will fund an estimated $55,000.

Brenda Stav, port communications director, reported the Snake River Family Festival June 8 at Boyer Park was a success. She estimated about 450 people attended.

She said the cost was $6,400 under budget with a WSU catering cost still to be added to the figures.

Stav added she is in the process of choosing a date for next year's event and will present possible dates at the next meeting.

WSU Catering took the leftover food from the event to donate to two different non-profit meal organizations in Pullman for youth and families, she said.

"The food last year was good, it was slow, but it was good. This year, it was fast and it was excellent," Port Commissioner Tom Kammerzell said.

Port Executive Director Joe Poiré reported the Inland Northwest Artisan Grains Conference has met its fund-raising goal. The conference will be July 12 and July 13 in Pullman and Moscow with educational and hands-on sessions.

Poiré also gave an update about the WSU and port partnership for value-added agriculture in the area.

"The Port of Whitman County has been exploring the development of a value-added agricultural center in Pullman which could include incubator space for research and start-ups in value-added ag," Stav explained in an email.

Poiré said the port is collaborating with Brian Kraft, WSU Innovation and Research Engagement Office assistant vice president. He said he wants to see how they can integrate the private sector into the research component of the project.

Stav said the goal is to construct an outline of resources to advance the project.

Kraft has spoken to WSU and the University of Idaho, and he wants to contact companies in the area to see what food science research they need and find partners for the project, she said .

"He has moved to go ahead with both the University of Idaho and WSU in the research arm of our value-added ag project to the point where they want to start speaking with firms that are involved in distributing products," Poiré said.