The Port of Hood River’s Nichols Basin west edge pedestrian path project committee got a look at preliminary design plans from consultant Walker/Macy. Port Executive Director Michael McElwee notes the biggest change eliminates motor vehicle access to Slackwater Beach. The plan also contemplates making changes to 1st Street to create additional parking to compensate for the loss of Slackwater Beach parking. Next up is development of more detailed plans by the end of September, with an eye toward going to bid in November. The Port currently has $776,000 available for the project, primarily from grants.