Port of Kennewick: Pioneering Economic Development
Established in 1915, the Port of Kennewick was the first port in Eastern Washington and only the fifth in the state, setting the stage for regional economic growth. From its inception, the Port has driven commerce by promoting industry, creating jobs, and investing in community infrastructure.
The Port owns and manages various properties available for sale or lease and is actively engaged in significant redevelopment projects to benefit its district, which includes Kennewick, parts of Richland, West Richland, Benton City, and the eastern third of Benton County, including Plymouth, Hover, and Finley.
Revitalizing Communities
The Port has formed strong partnerships to breathe new life into neighborhoods, particularly through waterfront investments, fostering new industries, and integrating art into economic development. Notable projects include:
- Vista Field: Guided by a community-driven master plan, the Port is transforming the former airport into a vibrant town center. The first phase of infrastructure, including streets, parks, and plazas, is complete, with commercial, retail, and residential lots now available. At full build-out, Vista Field is expected to generate over $500 million in private investment, creating more than 1,000 residential units and 740,000 square feet of commercial space.
- Columbia Gardens Wine & Artisan Village: Partnering with local entities, the Port has revitalized Kennewick’s historic waterfront, now home to wineries, a food truck plaza, public art installations, and shovel-ready parcels for further development. This transformation earned the Governor’s Smart Partnerships Award and the Governor’s Arts & Heritage Award.
- Clover Island: This mixed-use destination in Kennewick’s Historic Waterfront District has seen extensive enhancements, including a riverwalk, public plazas, scenic viewpoints, and the iconic Clover Island Lighthouse. The Port continues to work on further shoreline improvements and public amenities.
Supporting Regional Development
The Port has also facilitated critical developments in West Richland and Richland, selling land for new fire and police stations to accommodate growing populations. Investments in infrastructure and public safety ensure ongoing regional development.
As a catalyst for growth, the Port of Kennewick remains committed to meeting evolving community needs across its 485-square-mile district.
For more information on opportunities within the Port of Kennewick district, contact Amber Hanchette, Director of Real Estate and Operations, at 509-586-1186, or visit portofkennewick.org.
Port of Pasco: Driving Economic Growth
The Port of Pasco is dedicated to fostering a vibrant economy within its region. Strategically positioned with prime property options, excellent transportation access, and strong partnerships with regional economic and governmental organizations, the Port is committed to sustaining and expanding the local economy.
Strategic Property Offerings
- Osprey Pointe: This 20-acre mixed-use business center offers premier waterfront office and technology space along the Columbia River. With its natural setting, proximity to transportation, and development potential, it’s one of the Port’s most valuable assets.
- Tri-Cities Airport Business Center: Located near the Tri-Cities Airport, this 86-acre site is ideal for commercial businesses, offering direct access to freeways and the airport, making it perfect for offices, retail, or businesses needing runway access.
- Industrial Parks: The Port supports diverse business needs with properties like the Big Pasco Industrial Center, the Tri-Cities Airport East Side Industrial Park, and the Foster Wells Business Park, which offer facilities for warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution.
Comprehensive Transportation Access
Port properties are well-served by road (US-395, I-182, Highway 12), rail, air, and water. Recent improvements at Big Pasco have enhanced rail service, creating a key intermodal distribution hub in the Pacific Northwest. The Tri-Cities Airport and the Port’s Intermodal Transportation Center provide additional air and barge access.
Expanding Tri-Cities Airport
The Tri-Cities Airport is undergoing a $42 million expansion, doubling the terminal size and enhancing facilities. This project, expected to be completed in early 2017, is a crucial investment in the region’s growth, supporting the dynamic and thriving Mid-Columbia area.
The Port of Pasco is proud to be a cornerstone of economic development, ensuring the region remains a vibrant place to live and do business.
For more information, visit www.portofpasco.org.
Port of Benton: Advancing Regional Economic Growth
The Port of Benton is dedicated to promoting economic development across key sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing, technology, transportation, and tourism. With over 2,000 acres, more than 50 buildings, two airports, barge access, and a short-line rail facility, the Port is a vital hub for business and innovation.
Opportunities in Prosser
- Vintner’s Village Phase II: Located just off I-82, this wine and commercial hub offers 19 fully developed lots with infrastructure, trails, and high visibility. The first phase attracted businesses like Yellow Rose Nursery and Thurston Wolfe Winery, and today, 13 wineries operate here, with more opportunities available.
- Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center: This center celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage, particularly the wine industry, and includes an outdoor event space. It is strategically located between the Port’s two wine-focused developments, Prosser Wine and Food Park and Vintner’s Village.
Investing in Innovation
In north Richland, the Port supports the Tri-Cities Research District, a state-designated Innovation Partnership Zone. This 1,700-acre research park includes the Technology and Business Campus and Richland Innovation Center. Recent developments include over $40 million in infrastructure upgrades and the $23 million Wine Science Center in partnership with WSU Tri-Cities.
Supporting Start-Ups and Redevelopment
The Port acquired the Technology and Enterprise Center to foster commercial start-ups and has invested in redevelopment buildings in downtown Benton City to support local business growth. The Port also offers land and buildings for sale or lease across its sites, driving forward the region’s economic development.
For more information, visit www.portofbenton.com or call 509-375-3060.
