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Port of Benton proposes shore-power upgrades at High Dock; examiner asks for clearer evidence of environmental mitigation
Summary
Port of Benton presented a High Dock shoreline permit to install shore-side zero-emission power and expand work capacity; the hearing examiner asked staff and the port to better connect biological assessments and mitigation sequencing to the city's no-net-loss standard and left the record open for two weeks.
Brandon Lopez, engineering and development manager for the Port of Benton, described plans to install zero-emission shore-side power infrastructure and expand work capacity at the High Dock (project PLN-T2-2026-0023 at 3420 George Washington Way). Lopez said the project is at roughly 90% design and that the port has submitted a biological assessment, critical area survey and has pursued Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife and Department of Ecology clearances. "In that critical area survey, on page 8 and also page 7, you'll see the impacts and proposed mitigation," Lopez said, and he offered to work with staff to clarify how those materials demonstrate no net loss.
Public commenters raised concerns about navigation impacts, recreational loss and whether the economic benefits justify taxpayer spending. Hearing Examiner Gary McLean said the administrative review must show the connection between mitigation measures and the no-net-loss standard, and he instructed staff and the applicant to post any supplemental exhibits; he set a two-week window for submission. No final decision was reached at the hearing.
