Feds withhold funds for chemical weapons land development

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Elkhorn Media Group has obtained copy of a letter sent to the Port of Morrow stating the Department of Defense, acting through the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation is withholding assistance awards to support the planning and redevelopment of the former Umatilla Army Depot. The port acts as the agent for the members of the Columbia Development Authority. They are Morrow County, Umatilla County, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the ports of Morrow and Umatilla.

The letter was sent Jan. 13. Meanwhile, the CDA Board of Directors’ meeting was cancelled according to CDA Vice Chairman and Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer. He said he is disturbed that he did not receive a copy of the letter, nor did the CDA communicate with him about that letter.

“I’m very concerned about this letter,” he said. “I don’t know if there’s been a resolution. We haven’t heard a word, not a single word.”

The letter from the OLDCC details the reasons for its concerns. First, it wants documentation that demonstrates that the Port of Morrow separately accounted for CDA Manager Greg Smith’s time working in his legislative capacity, for which he is not to receive compensation from federal funds. Smith is also a state representative, which is a part time job.

The office also asks for a detailed explanation of the current internal controls, including the process for recording time entries that in place to ensure that Smith’s time is allocated accurately. Thirdly, the Port of Morrow is required to provide an explanation why the approved budget for the 2024 grant included salary increases for Smith and his staff that were neither approved by the CDA Board of Directors, nor accurately presented to OLDCC.

Finally, the OLDCC wants the port to validate current salaries for each individual listed under the personnel portions of the budget for the 2024 grant award. If those salaries are lower than the funds granted by the office, the Port of Morrow must explain what it plans to do with the additional money.

Deputy Director for Compliance Michael Wilson also said a response to the questions raised is due no later than 15 business days from the date of the letter.

Meanwhile, Umatilla County’s lawsuit against both ports and Morrow County is still ongoing. Shafer said a hearing was held where the judge recused himself due to a conflict of interest and they are now waiting for another judge. That legal action is being taken against the Port of Morrow, the Port of Umatilla, and Morrow County for an action that basically stripped Umatilla County and CTUIR of depot land that could be used for economic development.

John Shafer was a guest on the Feb. 6 KUMA Coffee Hour. For more on the Columbia Development Authority and other county-related issues, visit https://omny.fm/shows/coffee-hour-podcast.

---

• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 

---