Port of Walla Walla, American Cruise Lines move forward on lease for Burbank Dock

WALLA WALLA –Port of Walla Walla commissioners authorized staff to move forward with a long-term lease agreement with American Cruise Lines, a deal aimed at bolstering tourism infrastructure at the Burbank High Dock.

Under the terms of the 20-year lease, the cruise line will utilize 2.2 acres of land and the adjacent dock facility. Port officials reported Thursday that design and engineering for area improvements are roughly 90% complete. Proposed site plans include a new paved loop road and a dedicated loading area to service the dock.

The project is driven by American Cruise Lines’ plan to introduce a 14-night roundtrip itinerary in 2027. The new route necessitates site upgrades to manage the influx of visitors.

“These improvements are intended to provide reliable, year-round tourism access, enhance safety, circulation, and the overall visitor experience,” Port staff stated in meeting documents.

According to the cruise line’s website, the Grand Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruises will debut in May 2027. The journey begins in Portland, traversing the Columbia and Snake rivers through Hells Canyon before ending in Stevenson, Washington. Planned excursions include visits to the Walla Walla Valley vineyards and Pendleton’s underground city.

“It’s an important area for us, it’s also very popular for many people from around the country,” said Mark Friedman, representing American Cruise Lines at the meeting.

The 20-year lease would generate revenue for the Port, bringing in approximately $58,000 this year and escalating to just over $84,000 in the final year in 2045. The Port and American will share revenues from third-party dock use.

While the Port commissioners authorized staff to enter the agreement during Thursday’s session, the deal remains contingent upon final legal review and approval.

Image below shows road improvement plans, from Thursday’s meeting packet

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Elkhorn Media Group