Boardman, Oregon
Population: 3,175
Located in Morrow County
Samuel H. Boardman homesteaded on the Columbia River in 1903, and envisioned a city there. Fifteen years later, the West Extension Irrigation Canal brought Umatilla River water 20 miles to the Boardman Project. Homesteaders flocked to land along the south bank of the Columbia and the city was born. In 1952, the Columbia River Highway was rebuilt a mile south of the original town site, and most businesses moved south to be convenient to travelers. In the 1960's the city moved again to avoid the rising waters of Lake Umatilla behind the new John Day Dam. In the late 1970's and early 80's, Boardman boomed during construction of the Portland General Electric coal-fired power plant system, west of town. The city population grew from 300-1500. An electrical co-generation plant powered by Natural Gas came on-line in 1996, increasing opportunities for industrial development. In the 1990's, Boardman became one of Oregon's fastest growing communities in terms of population growth. Population in 2000 exceeds 3000 within the city limits, 5300 in the surrounding community. Irrigated agriculture continues to expand in the farmlands surrounding Boardman: potatoes, onions, mint, dairy, hay, and hybrid poplar trees now complement the grain crops. Tillamook County Creamery Association is investing more than $50 million into a Boardman satellite cheese plant. Beginning in the summer of 2001, the cheese plant will use milk from 30,000 dairy cows to produce 55 million pounds of Tillamook cheese annually. The Port of Morrow, a busy terminal for container barges, serves as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Rim Markets. Boardman has three Interstate-84 interchanges, rail connections, and an airport. A library, city park, marina park with boat launch and RV campground, soccer field, two neighborhood parks, 10-K Volkswalk and a golf course provide recreational opportunities. Fishing, game bird hunting, bird watching and water sports are popular recreational pastimes. Current educational facilities are: Boardman Child Development Center, Sam Boardman Elementary & Riverside High School. In February 2000, Blue Mountain Community College began construction of its Boardman Center. Courtesy of Boardman, Oregon Info
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