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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 29, 2025)
EIGHT - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, January 29, 2025 Heppner Chamber of Flood mitigation is a step in the right direction, Commerce annual luncheon but hurdles still remain at the old mill site -Continued from PAGE ONE Engineer’s rendering of the flood mitigation along willow creek. - Contributed Image Nicole Mahoney speaks at the Heppner Chamber Annual Luncheon.- Photo by The Heppner Chamber of Commerce. Jerry Conklin - Photo by The Heppner Chamber of Com- merce. Ann Murray - Photo by The Heppner Chamber of Com- merce. Kim Coil speaking at the Heppner Chamber Annual Lun- cheon. - Photo by The Heppner Chamber of Commerce. and the St. Patrick’s Cele- bration March 13-16. During the luncheon, the Heppner Chamber Vol- unteer of the Year Award was presented to Alita Nel- son in recognition of her dedicated service as the St. Patrick’s and Morrow County Fair & Rodeo pa- rade coordinator and as chairperson for the St. Pat- rick’s bed race. The chamber also held By Andrea Di Salvo The Port of Morrow has been given the go-ahead to begin flood mitigation in the South Morrow Indus- trial Park along Willow Creek, but what does that mean for Heppner? According to Mark Pat- ton, POM Chief Operating Officer, work on the flood plain is the next step in what he hopes will be a short journey toward making the former Kinzua Mill site completely buildable. “That’s the first step that needs to be complete,” he says. That first step had been a long time coming. Patton says the old mill site first went through a review with the Dept. of Environmental Quality in the early 2000s. The ap- propriate paperwork was apparently filed with the DEQ at that time but “dis- appeared,” Patton says. It wasn’t until they put the flood mitigation work out for bid and applied for DEQ permits to do the work that they realized the process had never been completed. “So we had to back it up,” he says. “We basical- ly had to pick up the ball again.” The Port began go- ing through the process of conducting more tests to satisfy the DEQ. Port staff also went through their ar- chives and dug up previous records, which they handed over to the Port’s engineer- ing firms. Testing done at the site so far has not found any- thing negative in the site’s soil; Patton says the DEQ has given the mill site “a clean bill of health.” The POM started the process in 2021 and was awarded a state grant in 2023. It was only recently, though, that the Port re- ceived DEQ’s clearance to begin work. With the DEQ’s ap- proval coming through, Patton is hopeful that the project will be sent out for its annual board instal- lation: President, Brandi Sweeney; First Vice Pres- ident, Kim Coil; Treasurer, Natalie Robinson; board members Amy Wolters, Ali- cia Doherty, Jerry Conklin, Ann Murray and Amber Schlaich; and new board member John Doherty. The event concluded with a lunch catered by 177 N Main St. Tacos Hometown. Heppner, Or 97836 O: 541-676-9228 E:sykeschris@hotmail.com bid in the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, engineer- ing firm Anderson Perry and GSI Water Solutions are working on a contam- ination management plan, which will guide the con- tractor doing the work. For instance, if they find any soil that doesn’t look con- sistent with the soil around it, it will need to be tested. The steps are necessary, but the extra time and effort have driven the cost far above what was expected. POM originally agreed to chip in $86,000 but has already spent more than $250,000 on engineering and site environmental re- view, Patton said. The Port isn’t the only one with money on the line. Willow Creek Economic Development Group (WC- VEDG) fronted $350,000, while Morrow County had promised another $100,000. The Port also received an Oregon State Special Public Works grant to help with the funding and has budgeted up to $80,000 more of its own money to finish the process. As far as the flood miti- gation process is concerned, the contractor will not be working in Willow Creek itself. Rather, they will excavate along each side of the creek to expand the width so water can flow freely. “So it’s just basically making a wider channel,” Patton says. “We’re just moving dirt.” Some of that dirt will be moved off-site. Some of it will be used to build up the lower elevation ground near Blue Mountain Manu- facturing. Patton is optimistic that the process will be quick but says it will be a summer project. “We won’t even start this till all the high wa- ter comes down Willow Creek,” he says. Once the work starts, hopefully around May of Broker Chris Sykes 541-215-2274 Price Reduced this year, it should take five to six months to complete the flood mitigation project. Patton says he hopes to see it completed by October. Meanwhile, Patton says there is still a complete study that needs to be done to satisfy DEQ. That should take six months to a year to complete. “A lot of the stuff has been done,” he said. “We only need to do more tests.” However, the flood mit- igation removes a huge hur- dle to siting any projects on the old mill site. While there is concrete that needs to be demolished before anyone can build in that area, Pat- ton says there wasn’t much point until they dealt with the flood plain. “This does open up some opportunities for any- one who wants to go there,” he said. The 130-acre property does have some existing business on site, as well as the Morrow County Oregon State University Extension Office, the local DMV of- fice and the Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife. At the same time, Pat- ton says, getting people interested in building at the mill site is a hurdle in itself. Attempts to attract businesses, both regional and out of state, have been disappointing. 177 N. Main P.O. Box 337 Heppner, OR 97836 Chris@sykesrealestate.net “We always try to bring the site up, especially with someone local, but it’s dif- ficult,” Patton said. The rural location and lack of major transportation infrastructure makes the site less than appealing for many. The mill isn’t com- ing back, Patton says, and neither is any other large business—not without rail or barge to transport goods. So, the Port’s efforts have been toward attracting small to medium regional companies. “Home grown people are better,” he says, saying local people are better able to handle the rural location. “But it’s also got to pencil,” he adds, saying a lot of small businesses can’t justify the cost of building at the site. “We’re always hopeful to get someone up there.” He did say the Port had been approached by a cryptocurrency company, but had turned them away because it would have pro- vided no jobs and would have been a huge drain on the power grid, using 10 megawatts of power. For now, with flood mitigation underway, the Port will continue to work on the rest of the DEQ’s requirements simultane- ously. Patton said he hopes to have the land completely buildable in a year. After that, the proper- ty’s future is less certain. “I don’t know what the city wants to do with the property,” he says, adding that the Port is open to any ideas. “We don’t want to shove something down Heppner’s throat that they don’t want.” Broker Chris Sykes 541-215-2274 Pending $220,000 This cozy 1950s home, located in a peaceful community, offers a blend of classic charm and modern comforts. The 3-bed, 2-bath property features a finished basement with two bedrooms and a bonus room, perfect for extra space or an office. The well-maintained yard, complete with mature fruit trees, provides a relaxing outdoor space. Essential appliances, including a fridge, range, washer, and dryer, are included, making it move-in ready. Sold as-is or with conventional financing, this charming home is ready for you to make it your own! 285 W ARCADE ST Lexington MLS# 24676541 For Sale $170,000 For Sale Approx 20 Acres $139,000 Beautiful 20-acre property in Eastern Oregon, zoned Exclusive Farm Use (EFU). Along Willow Creek Rd. MLS#: 24056686 Charming 1900 Victorian Home in Heppner, Oregon – A Unique Opportunity! Step into history with this 1900 Victorian gem, located in the picturesque town of Heppner, Oregon. This two-story home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Classic Victorian Style: From its timeless architecture to intricate woodwork and high ceilings, this home exudes vintage appeal. 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms: Plenty of space for a growing family. Detached Garage & Basement: A versatile space for storage, a workshop, or future renovations. Ideal for those with a vision, this property offers the opportunity to restore and personalize to your taste. With a little love and care, this house could become a stunning blend of classic and modern. Enjoy the charm of small-town life in Heppner while crafting the home of your dreams. Don’t miss out on this rare chance. Selling as-is. 195 N COURT ST Heppner MLS#:24426505 $240,000 Discover a timeless treasure with this beautifully preserved Craftsman-style home, featuring 1,174 sq ft on the main level and an additional 1,008 sq ft in basement, perfect for storage or extra space to customize. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath gem combines classic charm with modern comforts, including a newer furnace, forced air heat, and a freshly painted exterior. Located in a prime spot near the school and within walking distance to downtown Heppner, this home provides both convenience and a sense of community. Experience small-town living with easy access to downtown. Don’t miss the chance to make this spacious, character-filled home your own! 240 N COURT ST Heppner MLS#:24652848
