Port budget committee approves $48 million budget

Brian Shortt, president of the Budget Committee, views the adopted budget as a crucial step forward for the port.

“There is an effort to increase non-bridge revenues and decrease operational costs in a very short time. It’s not going to be easy, but there is a path forward,” Shortt said.

Effective July 2026, tolls collected by the port will exclusively fund bridge-related activities. This decision mandates that activities unrelated to the bridge, such as airport operations and property development, must be financed through alternative revenue sources. To facilitate the fiscal reorganization outlined in the 2025 budget, the port will implement new financial software in July. This software will enable the generation of monthly financial reports, enhancing transparency for the community and empowering managers to better manage their budgets. Additionally, the port has outlined key initiatives for the 2025 fiscal year, including the expansion of waterfront parking, development of storage facilities in Odell and construction of new T-hangars at the airport, as well as the creation of a traffic circle at Second Street and Riverside Drive.

Kristi Chapman, commission president, believes the budget reflects the commission’s commitment to enhancing relations with constituents. “In adopting the 2025 budget, the commission is dedicated to providing increased transparency regarding port developments and projects. As always, the port aims to responsibly steward the revenue and land under its jurisdiction to positively impact the community.”

The primary objective of the 2025 budget is to broaden the funding base for the operation and maintenance of port properties without imposing a significant burden on taxpayers. Currently, taxpayers within the port district contribute at a fixed rate of 3.32 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. The average home in the district contributes $7 annually to the port, totaling $105,000 in the upcoming year’s budget.

For additional information regarding the May 7 commission meeting, budget details and forthcoming projects, visit www.portofhoodriver.com. Updated information concerning the Hood River White Salmon Bridge Authority can be found at www.hoodriverbridge.org.