Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Scenes from a Celebration

Here are some images from last Friday's Centennial Celebration.

There was live music by Tony Johnson, who is a Port employee, he works with Maintenance Supervisor Les Hall on most everything that needs to be done for the Port properties... he and Les do an awesome job. Terry Dillman of the News-Times and Fire Chief Will Ewing peruse the historic photo albums and scrapbooks on display.
People entered their suggestions far a new name for the property. The list of suggestions will be put before the Port Commission so they can choose the very best one. Here former Port Manager Penny Ryerson, Anne Stangeland and Commissioner Stu Strom give us their best ideas. Folks had a good time rubbing elbows with others and taking a closer look at the hand-crafted wood boats that were on display.
Commission President Chuck Gerttula said a few words about the Port's history and future.
People enjoyed the new art park during a brief sunbreak. It's a beautiful spot to sit and rest a while, with metal sculptures, bordered by beautiful mature trees and some newly-planted ones as well.
The new Art Park is officially dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Port Staff, Commissioners, CSC students and the metal sculpturists whose art is featured at the park.

Many thanks to everyone who was involved in the project, and also a big thanks to everyone who attended, making the Centennial Party a great success! Special thanks to Island Wild Seafoods for providing the yummy seafood treats and to Toledo JC Thriftway Market for donating the soft drinks and a beautiful (and yummy!) custom-made cake.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

It's a Party!

Come join the party tomorrow (Friday May 21st) from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Old Fire Hall. We'll be celebrating 100 years (to the day! The Port was incorporated on May 21st, 1910) with cake from Toledo JC Market (thank you!!), refreshments from Island Wild Seafoods (thank you!!), a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly-finished adjacent Art Park, and an opportunity to rub elbows with local dignitaries. A special treat will be live music from Tony (the Kid) Johnson, and an opportunity to enter your suggestions for a new name for the "Old Fire Hall". See you there!!!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Progress!

The Port of Toledo has successfully applied for funds from the State to purchase the former Fred Wahl Boatyard at Sturgeon Bend in Toledo, Oregon. The Port received its letter of award on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, informing the Commissioners and staff that Oregon Business Development Department’s new Infrastructure Finance Authority will award a $1.2 million loan from the Port Revolving Fund. An additional grant for $350,000 has been approved by the Governor from the Strategic Reserve Fund. These awards secure the needed funding to close on the purchase with Fred Wahl.

Trace amounts of contaminants were discovered in the sediments in the waterway adjacent to the property. The upland areas tested qualify for a 'no further action required' ruling, with a deed restriction placed on the property that calls for industrial uses only. The contaminant clean-up will be aided with the recent award of a $250,700 Brownfields Redevolpment Fund Grant from Business Oregon, using lottery funds.

A prospective purchaser agreement will be entered into between the Port and DEQ. We hope to have the transaction completed by mid-July.