By Victoria Fowler
Gazette Reporter 

Support continues for Port of Clarkston

 

January 23, 2020



Port of Whitman County commissioners approved the re-commitment of matching funds for the Port of Clarkston Economic Development Administration grant. The approval was on a 3-0 vote.

Last March, Jerry Klemm, commissioner for the Port of Lewiston, speaking on behalf of the Port of Clarkston, visited with the Port of Whitman commissioners and staff asking for a financial pledge to support an economic study to find and understand the economic benefits of the cruise boat industry to the region.

Ports of Lewiston and Clarkston were preparing for the grant by collecting pledges for a 50/50 match. The projects for this study cost and estimated to be $100,000. The ports are hoping for $50,000 in the grant and $50,000 in pledges.

The Port of Whitman pledged $1,000 towards the study. If the EDA does not award the grant to the study, the Port of Whitman’s pledge wouldn’t be called in.

After the port's pledge of $1,000, the Port of Lewiston and Clarkston requested an additional $2,000 pledge from the port because the project was a little short of the $50,000 matching fund.

A motion was brought forth at the time for the port to contribute additional money towards the matching fund, but the motion died for a lack of a second.

Since this March meeting, the Port of Clarkston has applied for the EDA grant and were given the 'ok' to continue with the application.

“The grant hasn't been awarded, but it's worth merit and they are just wanting to be sure that you're still on board,” said Joe Poire, port executive director.

Commissioner Kristine Meyer said that she was still in support of the $1,000 pledge and doesn't believe there is any change to that. Commissioner Kammerzell and John Love agreed.

The purpose of the study would be to provide information and get projections on future growth while the ports in the valley seek additional cruise lines and yacht tours for Columbia and Snake River cruises.

Along with this study, Port of Lewiston and Clarkston plan to use the grant money to learn what would be needed to increase the impact of the cruise boat industry.

 

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