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Hermiston outlines two-site plan for RV parks with $8 million Amazon commitment; 20-acre parcel purchased by rodeo group includes water rights
Summary
City staff said Amazon committed $8 million to build RV lodging near EOTech; plan now splits into an event RV park (about 85 spaces) and a ~100-space area on 8 acres for Amazon-first access; Farm City Pro Rodeo purchased a 20-acre parcel that includes water rights and will be reimbursed under the city plan.
City staff told the Hermiston City Council they are planning two separate RV parks at EOTech after stakeholder concerns about site use during events. City Manager Smith said Amazon committed $8 million to the RV park development and that the city will build approximately 100 spaces on about eight acres for Amazon-priority use while reserving rental access to others.
Staff said the earlier master plan always envisioned an event camping area near the fairgrounds; the council heard a proposed split: an event RV park of roughly 85 spaces and a smaller, Amazon-priority area at the front of a 20-acre parcel. City staff said the 20-acre parcel, sold to the Farm City Pro Rodeo, includes water rights in the Stanfield Irrigation District; the rodeo group purchased the land quickly and the city intends to reimburse them for their investment as part of project negotiations.
City Manager Smith said the front eight acres would be used to create the roughly 100 Amazon-dedicated sites, while the remainder of the parcel could host fields, parking and other event uses. He described operations as flexible: Amazon employees or contractors would have first right of access, but the city could rent unused spaces to the public. Staff said engineers are preparing early site concepts and that the city is exploring a partnership with Umatilla County to access county-administered RV-park funds for operations.
Councilors asked operational questions: entrances and exits will be sited to meet spacing standards and avoid interfering with airport access; event controls such as fencing and automated entry systems were suggested to prevent drive-through access during fairs. Dr. Kelsall asked about the water rights and staff confirmed the parcel’s irrigation rights are in the Stanfield Irrigation District and can be transferred or allocated for irrigation of park spaces.
Staff described a target timeline to have the event camping park completed by the next county rodeo (staff identified 2026 as an internal target), with reimbursements from Amazon covering city fronted capital costs. Councilors emphasized the project’s potential for revenue and for supporting regional visitation and job-related housing needs.
