WELCOME to the Port of Columbia WHO WE ARE The Port of Columbia’s mission is to maximize public resources and private investment to create jobs, provide infrastructure, and maintain and improve the economic vitality of Columbia County and its communities. THE PORT OF COLUMBIA serves as the lead economic development agency for Columbia County and offers assistance to all businesses in the county. We also coordinate with our neighboring counties on regional initiatives. Port Information Port of Columbia’s mission is to maximize public resources and private investment to create jobs, provide infrastructure, and maintain and improve the economic vitality of Columbia County and its communities.

Lyons Ferry Marina is located on the Snake River and offers many recreation opportunities.

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The Port of Columbia’s Rock Hill Industrial Park is located on the west end of Dayton.

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The Artisan Food Center has a diverse mix of local food producers that rent space in the building.

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Welcome to the Port of Columbia

The Port of Columbia’s mission is to maximize public resources and private investment to create jobs, provide infrastructure, and maintain and improve the economic vitality of Columbia County and its communities.

The Port of Columbia serves as the lead Economic Development Agency for Columbia County and offers assistance to all businesses in the county. We also coordinate with our neighboring counties on regional initiatives.

The latest Port of Columbia eNewsletters with COVID-19 Business & Community Updates are listed below by date:

July 28, 2020 Port eNewsletter
July 10, 2020 Port eNewsletter
June 5, 2020 Port eNewsletter
June 4, 2020 Port eNewsletter
June 2, 2020 Port eNewsletter
June 1, 2020 Port eNewsletter
May 22, 2020 Port eNewsletter
May 8, 2020 Port eNewsletter
May 4, 2020 Port eNewsletter
April 28, 2020 Port eNewsletter
April 23, 2020 Port eNewsletter
April 21, 2020 Port eNewsletter
April 17, 2020 Port eNewsletter
April 10, 2020 Port eNewsletter
April 8, 2020 Port eNewsletter
April 2, 2020 Port eNewsletter
March 26, 2020 Port eNewsletter
March 30, 2020 Port eNewsletter

COVID-19 Resources

This pandemic has certainly put great strain on small businesses, organizations, and individuals everywhere. Thankfully, the state of Washington has risen to the challenge by providing several helpful resources in the form of grants, loans, and special opportunities.

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Next Regular Port Commission Meeting

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 3:30 pm
Click here for the agenda with instructions to join the Zoom meeting included.

Recent News

Port of Columbia Seeks New Commissioner

The Port of Columbia Board of Commissioners is seeking interested candidates to fill the District 1 position vacated by Dan Aschenbrenner. Dan and his wife have moved to a new residence in Columbia County that is not located in District 1. Commissioner Ashenbrenner was elected to the District 1 position last November. According to Port Executive Director Jennie Dickinson, Washington ...
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Masks Mandatory for Customers

Throughout not only Columbia County, but also the entire state of Washington, a new mandate has been issued by Governor Inslee requiring one to wear a mask in order to be serviced in a business. This comes into effect today, the 7th of July in 2020, and will continue for an unknown amount of time. So next time one plans ...
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WWSBEG Offering Relief to Local Businesses

The WWSBEG (Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant) is currently being disbursed to businesses, bringing them in total $151,138 worth of aid. These funds should hopefully help keep the businesses afloat and running. But that is not to say that the businesses would no longer appreciate the residents of our town to shop local! If we come together as a ...
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Touchet Valley Trail

A trail connecting the rural communities of Dayton and Waitsburg has long been a dream. The Port of Columbia has been working diligently to make that dream a reality since it was first identified as a priority at Columbia County’s 2015 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy meeting. The 9.7 mile trail is included in the Blue Mountain Region Trails plan. A concept plan ...
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Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant Recipients Announced

After 7 weeks of waiting, the Department of Commerce finally announced the recipients of the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program for Columbia County. Columbia County had 31 businesses apply, and 25 were awarded funds by the Governor's office and the Department of Commerce. State lottery proceeds from the Governor's Strategic Reserve Fund were used for the program. No Port of ...
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COVID-19 BUSINESS RESOURCES

This Business Resources document provides information for businesses trying to sort their way through the Coronavirus crisis.  New information includes guidance on forgivable expenses for your PPP loan as well as an Excel spreadsheet you can use to track PPP expenses. List updated 5-4-2020 ...
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Casting caution: Rural business owners ask boaters and fishers to respect guidelines

While local business owners are ready to get open again, social distancing and other rules created during the COVID19 pandemic need to be following in order for those businesses to stay open.  Recreating in Columbia County is popular, and for decades we have welcomed people from across the state into our community. Times are different this spring, and our recreation ...
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The Port of Columbia and the Dayton Chamber are teaming up to help business owners and workers during the COVID-19 challenge

The Port of Columbia and the Dayton Chamber of Commerce have worked together on many economic development projects and programs over the years, but nothing quite like the challenges facing business owners today.  Read Waitsburg Times article here.  ...
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Weinhard Hotel Changes Hands

Downtown Dayton's beloved Weinhard Hotel has new owners, and the community is thrilled to welcome them.  Read the Union Bulletin article here ...
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Dayton Businesses Discuss Details of Reopening

In a Zoom call April 30th, the Port of Columbia led a discussion with Columbia County PUblic Health on what reopening could look like and what supplied will be needed to help make it happen.  Read the Union Bulletin news article here ...
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