HOME 310 A Street, Walla Walla Regional Airport, Walla Walla, WA 99362-2269 - Phone: 1-509-525-3100
Port Accomplishments

The Port has had a positive economic impact on Walla Walla County since its inception in 1952. This success is a direct result of supportive citizens, local governments and private sector business. Periodically, the Port surveys those businesses that have received direct assistance from the Port to help determine its ongoing contribution to the economic health of Walla Walla County. Below is the results of our latest survey.

Jobs
  • Full-time 4,610
  • Part-time 1,160
  • Port assisted business represent 21.8% of Walla Walla County's Total Labor Force

Payroll
  • $111 Million Annually

Property Tax
  • $5.9 million per year
  • 5 out of the top 10 largest taxpayers in Walla Walla County are Port assisted businesses
  • Over 15.8% of all property taxes collected in Walla Walla County comes from Port assisted companies
  • For every dollar ($1.00) the Port receives in taxpayer support (1999 $1.1 million), businesses assisted by the Port will pay more than Five dollars and twelve cents ($5.12) in property taxes.
  • Only 22% of the revenue to operate the Port is derived from local property taxes

Reference by Year

Jump quickly to any year by clicking on it below:

2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1990 | 1987-1989 | 1981-1986 | 1960-1973 | Pre 1960

In December 2006 the Port of Walla Walla was named “Port of the Year” by the Washington Public Ports Association.  The Port was recognized for its leadership role in enhancing the economic vitality of Southeastern Washington.  WPPA sited the Railex Produce Distribution Center, Airport Wine Incubator Buildings and the U.S. Highway 12 Coalition as examples of how Port Districts can create economic prosperity in their region.
Port continues leadership role in the U.S. Highway 12 Coalition.  On October 18, 2007 Phase 3 (costing $16.2 million) was dedicated.  Phase 6 which is projected to cost $66.4 million will be under construction in early 2008. 
Port acquires 1,907 acre Boise Fiber Farm for $4 million.  Property is pre-zoned ag industrial light and ag industrial heavy.  Property has a water right of approximately 4,700 acre feet per year.  Port has already obtained several economic development leads for the property.

 
Port acquires downtown parking lot (202 N. Second Ave.) from Kyle Mussman for $615,933.  Port commences with developing a cleanup plan including the drilling of monitoring wells.  Cleanup objective is to obtain a “no further action letter” from the Department of Ecology in late 2008 and/or early 2009.  Once obtained, the Port has agreed to sell the property to the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce.   Port to recover its acquisition costs and all cleanup costs.

 
Gen-X Energy Group commences with bio-fuel production in a leased 18,000 square foot warehouse at the Port’s Burbank Industrial Park. 

 

Port makes substantial progress on Burbank water system.

  • Water right transfer completed from ag to industrial/commercial.
  • Port received a $1.6 million state capital allocation for construction.
  • Finalized water system design.
  • Selected nitrate removal technology.
  • Selected utility provider (Columbia REA).
  • Issued LTGO bonds in the amount of $500,000.
  • Bids open November 19, 2007.

The Port of Walla Walla Public Corporation purchased the former Ponderosa Fibres of Washington plant from Walla Walla County for $2,587,887. The sale price represented the back taxes owed to Walla Walla County without interest or penalty. The Public Corporation then sold the facility to Boise White Paper, LLC for $2,587,887. This accomplished the goal of getting the property returned to the tax roles and distributing a portion of the back taxes to the local taxing districts.

The Port in cooperation with Artifex Wine Company substantially remodeled 16,000 square feet within the Crown Building to house the Artifex custom crush wine facility. The Port invests approximately $180,000 which included some of the following improvements:
Finalize the purchase of the Railex looped rail line at a cost of $4,438,287. The Port obtained a federal appropriation of $1.5 million and a state appropriation of $2.5 million to assist the Port in its acquisition.
    

On February 3, 2006 Port entered into a series of detailed agreements with Railex which included, Railex purchase of Parcel 2 of the Dodd Road Industrial Park.

  • Dodd Road Industrial Park Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions & Reservations.
  • Non-Exclusive Rail Line Easement Agreement. Joint Development Agreement.

Successfully completed all infrastructure improvements to support the new Railex produce distribution center.

  • Dodd Road public water and fire systems were designed and built at a cost of $1,165,642. Port receives a state of Washington Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $700,000 for the development of the system.

Successfully completed all infrastructure improvements to support the new Railex produce distribution center.

  • Railex Road and storm water system was designed and built at a cost of $842,500. A high pressure gas line was also relocated along the new road at a cost of $301,853. Port receives a $200,000 Community Economic Revitalization Board Grant and an $800,000 Community Economic Revitalization Board Loan for the road and storm water improvements.

Successfully completed all infrastructure improvements to support the new Railex produce distribution center.

  • Railex completed a new $4 million plus looped rail line. Port secures a $1.5 million federal grant and a $2.5 million state of Washington transportation grant to acquire the rail line as a public asset.
Railex dedication held on October 26, 2006. Event attended by over 200 people. Dedication provided an opportunity for the Port to thank Railex and local, state and federal officials for their help with site infrastructure funding. Port also received praise for its role in the project.

Port receives the Governor’s Best Practices in Economic Development award for the Railex Project at the Governor’s Economic Development Conference in Vancouver, Washington.

Continued progress towards the development of a Burbank water system. Entered into an EPA grant totaling $721,600. Water system design underway. Water right transfer application from irrigation to a commercial, industrial and domestic use has been submitted to the Walla Walla Conservancy Board.
Worked with the Washington State Department of Transportation to ensure the planned U.S. Highway 12-SR 124 Interchange would provide direct access to the Port’s new business park and existing heavy industrial site.


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 Entered into a letter of understanding with Columbia School District which authorized them to construct a transportation facility and athletic fields on approximately 7.5 acres of property owned by the Port. The letter of understanding serves as interim approval prior to the Port and school district entering into a formal lease agreement with an option to purchase.
Port enters into lease agreement with MPM Vintners for 16,000 square feet within the Crown Cork & Seal Building. Port to receive $3,000 per month in rent. MPM Vintners is expected to invest $800,000 in building improvements. The Port has agreed to $76,800 in improvements to the building.
Port enters into lease agreement with Gen-X Energy Group, Inc. for 18,000 square feet flat house at the Burbank Industrial Park. Gen-X Energy Group, Inc is a bio-diesel manufacturing company. Port to receive $3,600 per month in rent.
Entered into an option agreement with Chemical Consortium Holdings, Inc. to lease approximately 15 acres at the Port’s Burbank Industrial Park for a proposed bio diesel plant.
Port Commission approves a $200,000 economic development sales tax grant to the City of Walla Walla for the Isaacs Avenue improvement project.
Approved an Economic Development Sales Tax Grant in the amount of $100,000 and a loan in the amount of $100,000 for the Walla Walla Community College Allied Health Building.
Finalized the acquisition of the BNSF Railroad right of way adjacent to the Isaacs Manufacturing plant. Port acquires 4.13 acres at a cost of $146,000.
Big Sky Airlines commences with air service on February 15, 2006. Federal Community Air Service Grant of $250,000 subsidizes air service through October 2006. Port contributes $65,000 to marketing campaign as part of the required local match.
Big Sky Airlines leases Hangar 160 for $1,450 per month to start a maintenance base in Walla Walla. Big Sky Airlines is very satisfied with the maintenance base and may, as a result, remain in the Walla Walla market despite lower than projected passenger boardings.
Wine incubator buildings completed at a cost of approximately $1,138,000. Incubator buildings paid for by a $985,000 state grant and a Port contribution of $153,000. All three incubator buildings are leased.
Airport was successful in obtaining FAA approval to modify the tower hours to open one hour earlier starting at 6:30 a.m. instead of 7:30 a.m. At the time, the change allowed the tower to be open for the two early morning commercial air service flights leaving Walla Walla.
Airport enters into new restaurant lease agreement with Caravaggio’s. Restaurant has been favorably received by the public.
Entered into a lease agreement with Color Press for one half of Building 202 (175 E Aeronca Avenue) at a rental rate of $1,850 per month. Entered into a lease agreement with Valley Wine Storage for the other half of Building 202 at a rental rate of $1,805 per month. Port invests $17,700 to subdivide the building.
Entered into a 50 year land lease agreement with Allen Litzenberger. Tenant constructs a 6,000 square foot metal building with intentions to construct three additional buildings. Project represents the first spec buildings built at the Walla Walla Regional Airport. Maintenance department extends water and sewer services.
Dunham Cellars enters into a 50 year land lease agreement with the airport and constructs a new 10,000 square foot winery processing and storage building. The new structure contains storage for 1,800 barrels and includes a modern laboratory and conference room. Maintenance department extends water and sewer service.

 
Successfully recruited the Railex produce distribution center to the Port's Dodd Road Industrial Park. Recruitment success widely recognized across the state. Port continues focus on providing needed infrastructure improvements on site.
Expanded Key Technology's corporate headquarters facility at the Port's Avery Street Industrial Park by approximately 21,000 square feet. Expansion will allow Key to move out of the Port's Melrose industrial building and office complex into one larger complex which will make their operations more efficient and cost effective.
Completed Isaacs Manufacturing Building remodel for The Odom Corporation. In late 2004 the Port leased 72,300 square feet of the Isaacs manufacturing building and 2,776 square feet of the Isaacs office building to The Odom Corporation. The Port invested $672,252 in building improvements.
Commenced with Phase II Burbank Industrial Park improvements with the construction of Jantz Road. Project was jointly funded with a $218,077 Port contribution and a $300,000 Washington State Department of Transportation contribution. The project was well received in the Burbank community in consideration the road project included curbs, gutters and sidewalks.
In an effort to develop a potable water source in Burbank the Port proceeded with drilling well number two at a cost of $58,000.

Port continues leadership role in U.S. Highway 12 Coalition. Positive progress made in 2005.

  • Federal Transportation Efficiency Act appropriation of $5.9 million.
  • State Transportation Revenue Package includes $56 million for U.S. Highway 12 projects and $4.22 million Myra Road extension.
  • Port produces brochure highlighting transportation projects at risk if Initiative 912 is approved in the November 8th election.
Port continues involvement in efforts to save Walla Walla VA Medical Center. Commissioner Bennett actively involved in the local VA work group. Executive Director serves on federally appointed advisory committee.
Port plays instrumental role in the City of Waitsburg receiving a $293,000 Transportation Enhancement Grant from the Benton Franklin Regional Council.
Port and Airport had successful state audits for fiscal year 2004 with no audit findings.

 

Leased 72,320 square feet of the Isaacs Manufacturing Building and 2,776 square feet of the Isaacs Office Building to the Odom Corporation. Port guaranteed to collect $619,144 over a three-year period of time. Port to invest approximately $600,000 in building improvements. Odom was previously in a 20,000 square foot building in Walla Walla. Port receives positive press for its successful business retention effort in consideration Odom was also looking at warehouse space in the Tri-Cities.
Purchased the former Crown Cork & Seal Property (194,000 square feet) for $625,000 after the property was on the market for over a year. Completed environmental restoration work at a cost of $138,000, repaired the roof drain system at a cost of $20,000 and commenced with site cleanup and front entry landscaping at a cost of $5,000.
Continued planning efforts to develop a Port/Public water system in Burbank. After several public meetings in Burbank, the Western Walla Walla County Coordinated Water System Plan was amended by Walla Walla County to provide the Port with a primary service area and a wholesale service area.
Executed a strategy to preserve the Port's 800 gallon per minute, 684-acre feet per year irrigation water right in Burbank in anticipation of transferring it to a municipal use in 2005. Port purchased a new wheel line at a cost of $11,000 to irrigate 47.20 acres and purchased a new center pivot irrigation system at a cost of $53,000 to irrigate an additional 130 acres. In 2004 the Port used its maximum water right for beneficial purposes.
Port seeks a federal appropriation to help develop the Port's Burbank water system. On September 21 Senator Murray announces $750,000 has been included in the 2005 Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development Committee. Final approval waiting passage of federal budget.
Commenced with land use planning efforts for the Port's Phase II Burbank Industrial Park. Submitted to Walla Walla County a proposed "Business Park" designation for the property that would allow for a variety of light industrial and commercial uses.
Port continues leadership role in U.S. Highway 12 Coalition. Phase I four-laning completed on time and within budget. Phase II currently out for bid. Corridor design for Phase IV is well underway. Coalition seeking $4 million appropriation in fiscal year 2005. Request pending congressional action.
Port involved in efforts to save Walla Walla VA Medical Center. Commissioners and staff served on local working group. Port instrumental in obtaining a $250,000 federal grant to look at economic reuse options. Executive Director selected to serve on federally appointed Committee to study future of Walla Walla VA Medical Center.


Undertook an innovative California recruiting initiative by e-mailing and direct mailing 12,000 California businesses with 100 employees or less. Port received excellent response. To date 55 leads have been generated. The Port is the first economic development organization in Washington to undertake a recruitment campaign in California based primarily on e-mail marketing.
Port spearheads effort for Washington CEO Magazine to produce a regional report on Walla Walla in their October 2004 edition. Port helps underwrite effort by purchasing a full-page ad at a cost of $5,000. Regional report very well received by Walla Walla community. Extra copies printed for use in Port marketing efforts.
Formed a partnership with Walla Walla County, Columbia School District, and WSDOT to purchase the Lockwood Foundation Property (27.38 acres) in Burbank. The land acquisition will prevent incompatible land uses that could have prevented the construction of a future overpass at Hurmorist Road. The Port took the leadership role in acquiring the property for $506,885 with the other partners to pay back the Port over a period of time. The Port to retain approximately 11 acres of property, which is adjacent to its existing property.
Port is the lead sponsor in applying for a Washington State Freight Mobility grant application for the U.S. Highway 12/SR 124 Interchange project. Total cost of the interchange is $15 million with the grant seeking $7.5 million from the state. Currently waiting for project to be ranked among other statewide project submittals.
Completed north side airport perimeter fencing project at a cost of $250,628. FAA provided 95% of the funding. Entire aviation portion of the airport complex is now secured with perimeter fencing.
Four new aviation ramp access gates and seven new personnel gates were installed at a cost of $235,415. FAA provided 95% of the funding. Keypad access system replaced with more secure proximity card reader system. Remote computer monitoring system installed at Port office. Installation includes cabling to allow for future video monitoring of gates. Commission approved aviation ramp access policy was well received by the aviation tenants.
Purchased a new vacuum sweeper at a cost of $143,653. FAA provided 95% of the funding.
Received a $250,000 federal air service grant. Walla Walla was one of 40 communities to receive the grant out of 108 applications nationwide. The grant will be used to establish an early morning departure from Walla Walla to Seattle and a late evening departure from Seattle to Walla Walla. Grant funds will be used to provide Horizon Air with an aircrew subsidy and to advertise the new flight schedule. Port to provide a $65,000 cash contribution and a $10,000 in-kind contribution.
Re-sided Building 527 (585 E. Cessna Ave.) at a cost of $12,000.
Re-sided and replaced windows in Building 528 (525 E. Cessna Ave.) at a cost of $35,216.
Re-sided and replaced windows on Building 525 (550 E. Cessna Ave.) at a cost of $38,400.
Built second floor offices (1,765 square feet) in the airport terminal building for Nelson Irrigation at a cost of $122,225. Nelson Irrigation enters into a two-year lease agreement with options for two additional terms of two years each. Rent for the first two years is $2,000 per month.
Purchased new Mott flail mower at a cost of $86,776.
Undertook a comprehensive review of the airport's rate & charge guidelines. Rental rates were increased for almost every rental category.

The following buildings were re-roofed:

- Building 166 (675 "E" Street) $1,460
- Building 204 (225 E. Aeronca Ave.) $22,837
- Building 230 (250 "A" Street) $4,064
- Building 237 (205 E. Beech Ave.) $23,728
- Building 411 (150 E. Curtiss Ave.) $12,230
- Building 530 (530 E. Curtiss Ave.) $5,543
- Building 924 (1460 "F" Street) $8,890
- Building 1102 (2255 "E" Street) $1,469
Painted exterior of the airport water tank and installed airport identification lettering at a cost of $8,856.

In an effort to preserve airport history, the former Walla Walla army airbase newspapers were professionally scanned and made accessible via the airport website.

Click here to visit the Walla Wallop newspaper Archives.

2003

  • Port substantially renovates Avery Street manufacturing building and enters into a lease agreement with the Walter E. Nelson Company. Improvements included: outside storage yard, cleanup, grading and installation of two dry wells and the placement of a gravel top course; parking lot patching, seal coating and striping; replacement of all overhead doors; major roof repairs; installation of a new HVAC system for the office area; removal of several interior walls. Walter E. Nelson enters into a five-year lease agreement (with three five-year options) at a rental rate of $6,000 per month. Walter E. Nelson has the option to purchase the facility anytime after the fifth year of the lease.
  • Port continues leadership role in the U.S. Highway 12 Coalition. In February, Congress approved $4 million for U.S. Highway 12 four laning. In May the Washington State Legislature approved a state transportation revenue package, which included $32.5 million to four lane the first four phases over a seven-year period. In June, a celebration of progress event was held near Burbank marking the start of Phase I construction. The Port receives favorable press regarding its leadership role. Multiple trips to Washington, DC were made in 2003 to meet with our congressional delegation concerning additional funding. Pending in the 2004 Appropriation Bill is $1 million in the House budget and $3 million in the Senate budget.

  • Port and Walla Walla County agree to split all future .008 economic development sales tax funds with the Port receiving two-thirds and the County one-third. Over the next 21 years of collections the Port should receive approximately $8-10 million in sales tax revenues to be used for economic development projects. Prior to splitting the fund, the Port and County approved the following projects in 2003: $200,000 grant to the City of Walla Walla for Main Street infrastructure Improvements and a $200,000 grant to Walla Walla Community College for an instructional kitchen and hospitality teaching space. In October, the Port approved a $20,000 grant to the City of Prescott to expand its joint City Hall/Fire Station.

  • On February 3rd an open house was held celebrating Cliffstar’s new Walla Walla juice processing facility. Within one year of operation, Cliffstar has created over 70 new family wage jobs.

  • Commenced with renovating the former Co-Grain flat house building. Improvements included: installing a storm drainage system to keep water away from the flathouse, repairing and replacing damaged siding, installing two new overhead doors, installing an electrical panel and lighting, and roof repairs.

  • Commenced efforts to form a public water system in Burbank to serve the Port’s existing industrial site along with the Port’s recently acquired property near U.S. Highway 12. Water right attorney hired to begin the processing of transferring the Port’s water right from agriculture to a municipal use. Anderson Perry & Associates was hired to commence the process of developing a public water system plan that will need to be approved by the Washington State Department of Health. Port’s proposed public water district was favorably endorsed on November 19 at a Burbank water purveyor’s meeting.

  • Secured an exclusive “Option to Purchase Agreement” for the former Crown Cork & Seal building. Facility encompasses 194,000 square feet, on 11.1 acres and has direct rail access. Option price is $750,000 and/or 3.86 per square foot.

2002

  • Successfully recruited Cliffstar Corporation, the nation’s largest independent private label juice processor to Walla Walla. As a result 20 fulltime jobs are created by year’s end. Total number of jobs could reach 100 within 2-3 years as additional juice production lines are installed. As part of the recruitment package, the Port agreed to purchase the closed Agri-Frozen plant for $1.2 million and fund plant improvements totaling $460,000. Cliffstar enters into a five-year lease agreement with (3) five-year options.

  • Port leases the Isaacs manufacturing building to Tate Transportation, Inc. for the storage of food grade cans manufactured by Silgan Corporation. The Port is currently receiving lease payments totaling $10,240 per month.

  • After many years of efforts, the Port successfully traded 121.57 acres of wetland property located at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers for 158.69 acres of developable property adjacent to U.S. Highway 12 in Burbank. The Port pays $380,000, which reflects the difference in the value of the two parcels.

  • Port continues leadership role in the U.S. Highway 12 Coalition’s efforts to four-lane U.S. Highway 12 from Burbank to the City of Walla Walla. Helped retain Phase I state funding of $10.1 million when funding was targeted to be delayed or cut due to a shortfall in the Washington State Department of Transportation budget. Developed ushighway12.com web site, gathered over 3,600 citizen signatures, and held several meetings with state congressional delegations.

  • Port purchases from Cograin a 16,684 square foot metal flathouse building and a 406,000-bushel metal grain storage tank at a cost of $450,000. The appraised value of the assets was $500,000.

  • Approved a $200,000 economic development sales tax grant to Walla Walla County for the refurbishing of the exposition building at the Walla Walla Fair Grounds.

  • Port continues support for the Walla Walla Area Small Business Center by providing office space and $20,000 toward annual operating costs. The center continues to provide an excellent return on investment. In 2002 the center provided over 400 hours of one-on-one counseling and 50 hours of workshops. Business clients were able to obtain over $1,000,000 in capital.
  • Port takes a leadership role in assisting the City of Waitsburg obtain funding to conduct a master plan for Main Street. Port contributes $7,500 and helps secure a $15,000 Washington State Department of Community Trade & Economic Development grant.

2001

  • Port takes a leadership role in forming the U.S. Highway 12 Coalition, a public/private partnership working to four-lane U.S. Highway 12 from Burbank to Walla Walla. Port develops comprehensive marketing materials and leads a $66,000 fundraising effort to hire a federal lobbyist on behalf of the coalition.

  • The Port and County agreed to earmark $250,000 in economic development sales tax funds to assist in the construction of a teaching winery at Walla Walla Community College.

  • Contributed $30,000 towards a joint tourism marketing effort with the City of Walla Walla and Walla Walla County. Tourism benchmarks established to measure the results of the investment are positive. Increased collections of Hotel/Motel tax receipts will allow the tourism-marketing program to become self-supporting.

  • Port was recognized as the “Citizen of the Year” by the Walla Walla Realtors Association.

  • Port continues to play a major role in the development of the Walla Walla Regional Airport. In addition to helping finance the new terminal building the Port made the following investments in 2001:
New Airport Hangars $525,000
BNSF Property Acquisition $125,000
Backhoe/Front End Loader $ 52,380
“C” Street Drainage $ 15,000
Conference Room Sound System $ 8,700
  $726,080
  • Cruise West made 44 stops at the Port’s Burbank high dock in 2001 as part of its popular Columbia/Snake River tours.

  • Executive Director named president of the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association.

2000

  • Assisted Florida Power & Light to obtain a conditional use permit from Walla Walla County to construct 200 plus windmill turbines near Vansycle Canyon. The project will generate in excess of $1 million per year in new property taxes for Walla Walla County when the project is completed.

  • Newport Northwest, LLC enters into an option to purchase agreement to acquire the Port’s 183-acre Dodd Road Industrial Site for $1,832,600. Port collects $106,630 in nonrefundable option money during fiscal year 2000. Newport Northwest announces plans to build a 1,300-megawatt natural gas-fired combined cycle plant at a cost of $550 million. The State of Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council commences with information hearings on the project.

  • Port and City of Walla Walla sell their joint interests in the former Drumheller property located at 211 N. Second Avenue to The Real Estate Improvement Company. Port receives $400,000 for its share of the property, which encompasses 48,900 square feet. The sale will allow The Real Estate Improvement Company to develop much needed parking adjacent to the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center.

  • Awarded Schneider Equipment, Inc. a $315,000 contact to construct a 950-foot well at the Port’s Dodd Road Industrial Site. The Port proceeded with construction of the well to protect its 1,200-gallon per minute industrial water right.

  • Expanded Port owned Cargill office building in Burbank at a cost of approximately $77,000. The expanded office complex will serve as a newly designated regional office by Cargill. Approximately five additional employees will be working out of the Burbank offices.

  • Two cruise ship companies utilized the Port’s Burbank High dock in 2000. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company made 12 stops and Alaska Sightseeing Cruse West made 45 stops.

  • Paul Schneidmiller was appointed from a field of 12 candidates to replace Wes Colley on the Port Commission. Commissioner Colley resigned effective May 23, 2000 to become president and chief executive officer of United Security Bank Corporation headquartered in Spokane, Washington.

1999

  • Received bids from nine contractors interest in constructing the new airport terminal building complex.  The bid was awarded to Lydig Construction after they were able to demonstrate that local subcontractors would be utilized on the project.  Commissioners established a not to exceed budget of $10,536,174.

     
  • Issued $4,975,241.40 in general obligation bonds at a net interest rate of 5.66% to assist the airport in financing its share of the construction costs of the new airport terminal building.

     
  • Received Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Grants totaling $3,387,641 for costs associated with planning, designing and initial construction on the new airport terminal building.

  • United States Congress appropriates $4, 650,000 to tear down the former Army Corps of Engineers Complex at the airport.  The appropriation represents eight years of lobbying efforts by the Port to convince the Federal Government to remove the asbestos laden facilities.

      
  • As part of a multimillion-dollar restoration plan for the Marcus Whitman Hotel and the Whitehouse Crawford building, the Port and City of Walla Walla agree to jointly purchase the former Drumheller properties (Texaco Gas Station and Tapedera Hotel) to develop public parking adjacent to the redevelopment area.  The City has agreed to finance all costs associated with development of the parking lot.  The Port’s participation in the project was predicated on the creation of new family wage jobs.  Approximately 22,000 square feet of class A office space will be created for Highspeed.com corporate headquarters with the renovation of the Marcus Whitman Hotel.  Highspeed.com anticipates creating 80 to 100 new high paying jobs within 5 years.

     
  • The Port played an instrumental role in qualifying Walla Walla County for rural economic development funding (House Bill 2260) during the 1999 State Legislative Session.  As a result, Walla Walla County is now authorized to retain .08% of the State of Washington’s share of locally generated sales tax (approximately $340,000 per year) to fund economic development infrastructure projects.  In consideration of the Port’s leadership role, Walla Walla County agreed to enter into an economic development interlocal agreement with the Port to jointly administer the new source of revenue.

  • The Port successfully requested and received (on behalf of Team Walla Walla) a $15,000 contribution from Fluor Daniel Hanford to assist in remodeling that portion of the Marcus Whitman Hotel to be used as Highspeed.com corporate headquarters.

  • The Port applied for and received a $5,000 PacificCorp Community Development Challenge Grant to assist in remodeling that portion of the Marcus Whitman Hotel to be used as Highspeed.com’s new corporate headquarters.

  • Developed an above ground aviation fuel storage system, which encompassed two 12,000-gallon tanks, one for Jet-A and one for 100LL fuel.  Improvements included a credit card access system, telephone, night lighting and air compressor.  The airport also purchased a Jet A and 100LL fuel delivery trucks.  A fuel delivery contract was entered into with Blue Ridge Aircraft Services and a fuel supply contract was entered into with Valley Oil.  Total cost for the aviation self fueling system including the delivery trucks totaled $282,000.

  • Airport leases property to Highspeed.com for the construction of a new corporate hangar.  The Airport enters into a ten-year lease agreement with two five-year options.

  • Received Congressional authorization via the 1999 Water Resources Development Act to proceed with the long sought after land exchange between the Port and Federal Government. As a result of the legislation the Port will be authorized to trade 122 acres of wetland property for 188 acres of upland property next to Highway 12 in Burbank.  The Port will be responsible to pay the difference in fair market value of the properties in addition to administrative costs not to exceed $50,000.  This congressional authorization represents 10 plus years of lobbying efforts by the Port.

     
  • Developed a Burbank Industrial Park master plan for the 188 acres of property the Port is to receive in the federal land exchange legislation.  To encourage community input the Port held three public meetings in Burbank (including a Port Commission meeting) while developing the plan.  Burbank residents generally supported the final industrial park layout.  The Port utilized Army Corps of Engineers to develop the industrial park layout plan at a cost of $5,000.

  • The Port successfully lobbied the Washington State Legislator to pass House Bill 1848, which authorizes the Port to invest in economic development projects across state borders.  The legislation was proposed because Washington State law prohibited the Port from making a financial contribution to lure Sykes Enterprises, Inc. to Milton-Freewater, Oregon.

     
  • The Port and Washington State Department of Transportation entered into an agreement to jointly purchase 36 grain covered hopper cars.  Each party agreed to contribute $450,000 towards the purchase, relocation, repairs and painting of the cars.   The Port’s $450,000 contribution came from a $200,000 Oil Rebate Grant and $250,000 from Port’s capital reserve account.   The grain cars will be utilized in Southeastern Washington to transport grain to Oregon and Washington coastal ports.  Based on past grain car revenues, the Port anticipates recovering its $250,000 investment within six years.

  • The Port successfully lobbied Congress to expand the Federal Navigational Channel in the Columbia River near Wallula via the 1999 Water Resources Development Act.  The new legislation will authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to undertake maintenance dredging within the expanded federal navigational channel.  Navigation in the Wallula area was threatened due to sediment deposits caused by the nearby Walla Walla River.

  • Acquired the former Strauser Manufacturing plant located at 3301 E. Isaacs Avenue.  The Port was able to acquire the 12-acre, 110,000 square foot facility for $1 million, or $9.00 per square foot.  The Port commences with an aggressive marketing campaign to recruit a new manufacturing company to the facility.

  • Acquired 12.31 acres of property from the Americold Logistics for $309,928.  The property is strategically located next to the Port’s Avery Industrial Park and Americold Logistics cold storage facility.

     
  • Port enters into a tourism interlocal agreement with the City of Walla Walla and Walla Walla County to enhance tourism marketing efforts.   The Port agrees to contribute $30,000 per year for three years.  The combined effort of the three parties will provide approximately $180,000 per year to increase tourism marketing.

  • The Port joined with other mid Columbia Port Districts in organizing the Inland Ports Navigation Group to protect the 14-foot Congressionally authorized navigational channel in the Columbia and Snake Rivers, which has been threatened by the filing of a clean water act lawsuit against the Army Corps of Engineers.

     
  • Refinance the 1990 revenue bonds issued for the construction of the Key Technology Avery manufacturing plant.  The refinancing resulted in a $100,000 savings in future debt service payments.

  • Developed an industrial grade gravel access road at the Burbank Industrial Park at a cost of $108,000.

     
  • Commenced with designing the Wallula Scenic and Interpretive Overlook Center with a 36,800 WSDOT Scenic Byways grant along with a Port contribution of $9,000.  In response to concerns from Wallula r