On November 4, 1958, the citizens of Garfield County held an election to determine if a port district was to be established. The voters of Garfield County approved the formation of the entire county into a port district and, subsequently, elected commissioners to serve. View the meeting minutes from the first meeting held at the Garfield County Courthouse on January 5, 1959.
Port of Garfield History
History Timeline
Explore the timeline below, which highlights the Port of Garfield’s history, planning efforts, and accomplishments in driving economic development across Garfield County since 1958.
1958
The Port of Garfield was established.
1970
Three acres were developed at the Central Ferry site for the Pomeroy Grain Growers. The county's grain is primarily barged, so the co-op constructed their own elevators and leased the docks exclusively.
1984
The Dye Seed Plant (DSP) was purchased for $400,000. The 33-acre parcel is west of Pomeroy, but within the city limits. Approximately half of the property has existing buildings, used for manufacturing and warehousing, and the remaining half is flat, unoccupied land, ready for development.
1986
The 5,000-square-foot U.S. Forest Service administration building was constructed for $514,000. This facility houses the Pomeroy Ranger District.
1996
2005
1969
The Central Ferry site was purchased from the Corps of Engineers for $24,500. A total of 86 acres was acquired containing several flat acres bordering the Snake River, while the remaining acres are located on steep hillside.
1979
The Pomeroy West site of 3.25 acres was purchased This land was later determined to be in the Federal Flood Plain, which does not allow for construction. In 2005, the port designated this area the future site of a 16-unit RV Park.
1984
A 2.5 acre parcel was purchased for $45,000 for the construction of a United States Forest Service Administration Building.
1995
Renovation of a 21,460-square-foot manufacturing facility, giving the Port a turn-key manufacturing building. The project cost of approximately $400,000 was funded by Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), USDA and Port of Garfield.
2001
A new access road and bridge that connects Highway 12 with the port's industrial property was started. Providing access, other than through residential areas, was needed to attract business to the county's only industrial site.
A new access road and bridge were completed, connecting Highway 12 with the Port’s industrial site, and creating additional access to the baseball/softball fields. The road was financed by CERB, WSDOT, Port of Garfield, Shepherd Foundation and Pacific Power and Light. The project's total cost was $600,000.
2006
The four-story abandoned facility, adjacent to the new access road was demolished, readying the area for new development. A HUD grant with matching funds from the Port District funded the $107,000 project.
2006
2007
The Port of Garfield, City of Pomeroy, Garfield County and Palouse Economic Development Council banded together to bring in wireless and DSL Internet into the entire county.
2007
CERB awarded a $16,500 grant, which was matched by the Port, to fund a feasibility study evaluating the potential for a speculative facility on the Port’s industrial site. The study concluded that the project would be viable, provided the Port did not need to borrow more than $256,000 for development.
An 5,000-square-foot addition was added to the existing Forest Service facility, bringing the total square footage to 10,000, accommodating 60 full-time and 30 part-time employees. The new $600,000 addition brings the total cost of the facility to $1.1 million.
CERB approved a $256,000 loan to the Port for the construction of a new speculative facility. The building was developed on the industrial site adjacent to the newly completed access road.
2010
Port land was leased to a private company to build a recreational vehicle park. The park was partially completed and operational
2014
The two bathroom and shower rooms were completed, along with the addition of a laundry room.
2017
A second dolphin was replaced at Central Ferry
2008
By late December 2008 or early 2009, a new 4,800-square-foot spec facility was completed on the Port’s industrial site. The building was designed as two 2,400-square-foot units, with one unit finished as a turn-key space and the second reserved for future completion based on tenant-specific needs.
2012
Pataha Creek RV Park was turned over to the Port District. The park sites were improved, and picnic tables, landscaping and fencing was added.
A mooring dolphin that had broken off at Central Ferry was replaced.
2016
2017
A grant was received to begin paving Central Ferry and design work was completed.
