What to do with the Expo Center?

That was one of many questions that Port of Hood River commissioners discussed during a four-hour session Wednesday afternoon.

The occasion was their twice-yearly planning session that examines long-term planning. The port had been working on negotiations with DaKine Hawaii, which pulled back from the table last month on moving into the building.

But the port hasn’t lacked for suitors interested in the 30,000 square foot facility, which is now being sought by Full Sail Brewing Company.

Port Director Michael McElwee said the brewery is seeking both warehouse storage and office space. He told commissioners Full Sail was looking for 9,000 to 10,000 square feet of storage by next February or March and additional room for offices by next June. The company currently houses its administrative offices in trailers.

The commissioners made no decision on the proposal but some were in favor of the idea rather than waiting to take action with the facility.

“With the Expo Center we have a limited number of options,” said Commissioner Kathy Watson. “We could wait for DaKine to decide on a dispersed campus environment, go ahead with the initial remodel or park people there while we remodel other places including the UTS building.”

There was discussion over what type of arrangement could be used with Full Sail using the Expo Center for warehouse space as that did not meet with the commission’s main interest in creating jobs by commercially redeveloping the site.

Bohn said she would rather see the port go with the strategy to continue some forward momentum for the Expo Center.

“It wouldn’t generate the employment density we talked about but it would open up the downtown location for economic development,” McElwee said.

Other alternatives were to mothball or market the structure but commissioners were clear they had no intention of returning to event management at the site.

Besides the Expo Center, commissioners touched upon two other major topics that could hamper development for the port.

One relates specifically to notice from the Oregon Department of Transportation that the agency might put on hold plans for the Interchange Access Management Plan. That work was intended to remodel Exit 64, nearest the port, to relieve traffic issues in the area. Commissioner Hoby Streich worried that ODOT’s action could limit plans.

“That trip count could shut down development at the waterfront,” Streich said.

“I’m more worried about allowed uses,” McElwee said, referring to how the transportation holdup could impact zoning.

Limiting zoning changes could hit the port hard as they face the other major issue — a lack of available property to market to potential investors, developers or businesses.

Commissioners discussed whether the port could afford to buy the Waucoma Building, which is up for sale. It currently houses Embarq and the U.S. Forest Service.

“I think we need to make a decision to be more aggressive about attracting new businesses and have something to offer first,” McElwee said. Commissioner Bohn said she didn’t want to risk sacrificing development because of acquisition. Her point was to follow both goals could negatively split the port’s economic development strategy.

Currently the port’s properties are entirely leased out. Commission chairman Fred Duckwall said the port should move ahead on plans to subdivide lots as a basic step. County Economic Development Director Bill Fashing said, “The direction is looking at value-added ag, technology, outdoor gear-related, light assembly, research and development and back office.”