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Willow Pointe residents voice recreational and economic concerns about Port of Benton High Dock project
Summary
Two Willow Pointe residents testified that the Port of Benton High Dock project raises ecological and recreational concerns and questioned economic benefits and taxpayer costs, including a cited $3-plus million electrical upgrade estimate.
Residents Karen Weemers and Mike Weemers testified during the Port of Benton portion of the hearing. Karen Weemers, who lives at 3136 Willow Pointe Drive, said ecological impacts are central and that she had not heard the applicants address economic benefits. "It is of great concern to me that everything I've heard tonight is... about the ecological impacts. But I have not heard anything about the economic benefits of this proposed project," she said and indicated she would submit additional written comments.
Mike Weemers argued the project could have unintended consequences: increased wave damage in narrower river reaches, competition with existing Richland river tourism, and infrastructure stress. He cited what he described as a roughly $3 million electrical upgrade cost and urged reconsideration of industrial riverfront uses. The port responded that it had conducted alternatives analyses and submitted biological and critical area reports, and the hearing examiner asked staff and the port to post further clarifying materials for public review.
