Depot land transfer is imminent

By on Wednesday, April 20th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UMATILLA COUNTY – The U.S. Army has told the Columbia Development Authority that the Umatilla Chemical Weapons Depot land will be turned over to local authority in about 45 days. Umatilla County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Shafer said the Army has signed off on the deal. It’s now with the CDA.

“Everything’s been signed except for our side,” he said. “We’re waiting to sign until the title insurance is in place.”

Meanwhile, the Army is asking for $1 million for the turnover. Shafer said Umatilla County, Morrow County, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation are going to advance that money by purchasing a $1 million piece of property on the portion of depot land marked for development.

“Then, at a later date, we will turn around and sell it,” he said. “Then all three will be reimbursed their $333,333.”

For more information about the land, its history, and its future, visit https://www.umadra.com/.