| 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.
-
Full-time 4,610
- Part-time
1,160
- Port
assisted business represent 21.8% of Walla Walla County's
Total Labor Force
- $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
Jump
quickly to any year by clicking on it below:
2009
| 2008 | 2007
| 2006 | 2005
| 2004 | 2003
| 2002 | 2001
| 2000 | 1999
| 1998 | 1997
| 1996 | 1995
| 1994 | 1993
| 1990 | 1987-1989
| 1981-1986 | 1960-1973
| Pre 1960
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Dr. Fred Bennett retires after 24 years on the Port Commission Board. Dr. Bennett leaves a legacy of service, leadership and progress. |
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Port continues to make progress on development plans for the Burbank Business Park.
- Lot layout concepts have been refined.
- A draft sewer plan has been developed.
- Protective covenants are being finalized.
- Overall business park financial model has been drafted.
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The Washington State Department of Health selects the Port’s Burbank Water System for its “Going Above and Beyond Award”. The Port received the award for developing a water system with the capacity to serve neighboring water systems that are struggling to provide potable water to their customers. |
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Rehabilitated the Burbank High Dock at a cost of $122,630. |
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Completed the Crown Stormwater Improvement project at a cost of $291,723. The Port receives a Department of Ecology grant of $200,342. During a storm event, the Crown property produces over 117,000 gallons per hour of stormwater. With the improvements stormwater is collected in DOE approved drainage swales and not discharged into the City sewer system. |
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Port sells former Grab-On building (3.65 acres and 20,000 square foot building) to the Walter E. Nelson Company for $810,000. |
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Port proceeds with phase II Dodd Road Water system improvements at a cost of $572,350. Improvements will allow the Port to pump its full water right of 1,200 gallons per minute in addition to Tyson Foods water right of 950 gallons per minute. Tyson contributed $176,900 towards the improvements. Port to receive a Pacific Power Energy Saver Grant of approximately $50,000. |
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Key Technology purchases office and manufacturing complex (172,600 sq. ft. on 20 acres) from Port for $6,464,583. Acquisition will help solidify Key Technology’s presence in the Walla Walla Valley. Key is the 9th largest employer in the Walla Walla Valley with 467 jobs. |
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Completed Burbank water system at a cost of $3,550,000. Port received a state capital appropriation of $1,596,685 and a Federal EPA grant of $720,600 to help offset a portion of the capital investment.
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Port continues efforts to develop warehouse district on Dell Avenue. Accomplishments for 2008 include:
- Acquired property located at 1121 Dell Avenue for $100,000.
- Acquired property located at 1125 Dell Avenue for $158,205.
- Acquired property located at 1147 Dell Avenue for $178,705.
- Tore down dilapidated houses at 1115 and 1117 Dell Avenue at a cost of $22,191.
- Tore down dilapidated house at 1147 Dell Avenue at a cost of $10,000.
- Installed fence between the church and 1115 Dell property at a cost of $7,500 plus sales tax.
- Commenced with Warehouse District Master Plan.
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Accomplishments to date include:
- Obtain an option to purchase 4.2 acres from Northwest Library Bindery for $731,808.
- Obtained a $500,000 CERB grant.
- Obtained a $1.5 million CERB low interest loan (2% interest) with 3 year deferral of principal and interest.
- Obtain a .09 sales tax grant of $400,000.
- Obtained a .09 sales tax loan of $400,000 (4% interest).
- Commenced with Phase I and Phase II archeological work on the property.
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Port takes leadership role in funding Walla Walla Trends community web site. Port contracts with Eastern Washington University at a cost of $41,000 to publish over 90 community trends. Port hosts public unveiling on May 29. Public response has been favorable. |
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Port Commission makes financial commitment to keep Walla Walla Trends web site updated at a cost of $18,000 per year. Quarterly e-newsletter updating interested citizens developed and first e-newsletter was sent on October 21. Port receives positive response.
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ArtifexWine Company expands lease space by 11,860 square feet in the lower warehouse in the Crown Building. Artifexnow leases 27,860 square fee from the Port. Rent starting in January 2009 will increase from $3,200 to $6,000 per month.
Entered into a five year lease agreement with Raft River Vintners, LLC (Anderson Middleton Company) for 13,860 square feet in the lower warehouse of the Crown Building. The initial monthly rent is $3,465 per month and increases each year of the lease. The entire lower warehouse encompassing approximately 40,000 square feet is now fully leased. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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Gen-X Energy Group commences with bio-fuel production in a leased 18,000 square foot warehouse at the Port’s Burbank Industrial Park.
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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.
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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. |
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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: |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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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to enlarge)
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to enlarge)
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Port Commission approves a $200,000 economic development
sales tax grant to the City of Walla Walla for the
Isaacs Avenue improvement project. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Airport enters into new restaurant lease agreement
with Caravaggio’s. Restaurant has been favorably
received by the public. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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Port plays instrumental role in the
City of Waitsburg receiving a $293,000 Transportation
Enhancement Grant from the Benton Franklin Regional
Council.
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Port and Airport had successful state
audits for fiscal year 2004 with no audit findings.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Purchased a new vacuum sweeper at a cost of $143,653.
FAA provided 95% of the funding. |
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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. |
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Re-sided Building 527 (585 E. Cessna Ave.) at a cost of $12,000. |
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Re-sided and replaced windows in Building 528
(525 E. Cessna Ave.) at a cost of $35,216. |
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Re-sided and replaced windows on Building 525
(550 E. Cessna Ave.) at a cost of $38,400. |
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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. |
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Purchased new Mott flail mower at a cost of $86,776. |
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Undertook a comprehensive review of the airport's rate & charge
guidelines. Rental rates were increased for almost every rental category. |
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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 |
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Painted exterior of the airport water tank and installed
airport identification lettering at a cost of $8,856. |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Port was recognized as the “Citizen of the Year”
by the Walla Walla Realtors Association.
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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 residents
the Scenic and Interpretive Overlook site was relocated
north of the Wallula community on Port property.
- Develop
and executed a comprehensive marketing campaign to
attract a bottled water company to Waitsburg.
To date the marketing campaign has resulted
in the generation of several leads.
The Port received an enthusiastic response
from the Waitsburg community.
The Tri-City Herald newspaper ran a feature
article on the Port’s marketing campaign.
- Airport
applied for and received a $132,115 Transportation
Enhancement Grant to landscape the northeast portion
of the new airport interchange.
The airport has pledged $40,585 (15%) towards
the landscaping project.
The interchange will be landscaped in fiscal
year 2000.
1998
- Port
sells Meridian Mortgage Building to Regence Northwest
Health for $273,000. Port obtains
a $9,000 contribution from Team Walla Walla, $30,000
from Fluor Daniel Hanford, Inc., and $25,000 from
the City of Walla Walla (via parking lot improvements)
to help offset the difference between the building’s
fair market value and Regence offer for the building.
In 1998 Regence invested over $500,000 to remodel
the facility and $250,000 to provide telecommunications
infrastructure. The Port projects 70 new jobs paying
between 22,000 and 30,000 including benefits will
be created within two years.
- Port
assists City of Milton-Freewater in recruiting Sykes
Enterprises, Inc. to Milton-Freewater,
Oregon. Sykes starts construction on a 42,500 square
foot technical call center that will create 400 new
jobs. Port spearheads a successful $200,000 private
fund raising effort from Walla Walla businesses.
- Port
recruits Westway Trading Corporation
to the Port’s Burbank Industrial Park. Westway
Trading Corporation agrees to lease 4.5 acres of property
and construct a $1.5 million molasses blending facility.
Construction on the new facility which includes offices,
warehousing and a liquid tank farm commenced in October.
Westway’s primary line of business is manufacturing
feed supplements for the livestock industry. After
the first five years of the lease, Westway guarantees
a minimum throughput fee of $12,000 per year.
- Port
extends water and sewer utilities to its Waitsburg
Industrial Park at a cost of $76,000.
The extension was needed, in part, to accommodate
a new county road shop to replace the former shop
damage in the 1996 Waitsburg flood. The new shop,
nearly a million dollar investment, is to be occupied
at the end of the year. In a cost sharing agreement
with the County, the Port paid for 76% of the costs
and the County 24%.
- Port
purchases Columbia Basin Steel property
in Burbank for $300,000. The acquisition included
10 acres, a 3,150 square foot office building, and
an 8,210 square foot metal fabrication building. Port
enters into five year lease agreement with Columbia
Basin Rebar for subject property.
- On
April 4 Port Commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution
4-9-98 authorizing the construction of a new airport
terminal building, associated aviation ramp and public
parking. Prior to the vote, Port staff conducted an
extensive public outreach campaign.
- Horizon
Air commences with all non-stop 37
passenger Dash 8 service to Seattle and announces
substantial rate reductions. Leisure fares are as
low as $49 each way and business fares are as low
as $99 each way. Port and Horizon agree to a joint
marketing campaign announcing the new fares.
- New
Airport Interchange is completed
providing for a eastbound on-ramp and a westbound
off-ramp. The project totaling $2,275,000 was underwritten
by a Washington State Department of Transportation
Improvement Board Grant of $1,365,000, a Port contribution
of $558,000 and a State Department of Transportation
contribution of $352,000. The City of Walla Walla
was instrumental in coordinating the project on behalf
of the Port.
1997
-
Walla Walla Grain Growers commences
with regional grain car shuttle program to haul grain
from Walla Walla County and the Palouse Region to
Wallula for transloading into barges. Grain shuttle
program to provide the Blue Mountain Railroad with
more shipping revenue to remain financially viable.
Port leases Walla Walla Grain Growers .78 acres of
property to install rail spur system, and sells 4.9
acres of property to accommodate their expansion needs.
- Northwest
Collision purchases 4.39 acres of
property at the Port's Avery Industrial Park. Northwest
Collision to construct $1.2 million state-of-the-art
collision repair center.
- Monsanto
announces their subsidiary Enviro-Chem Systems
has agreed to design, procure and construct a 1,200
per day Urea plant for Btu Nitrogen LLC. The plant
is estimated to cost $207 million and will be located
on the Port's 188 acre Harvey Industrial Site.
-
Port purchases 32 acre former Louisiana Pacific Mill.
Port prepares master plan which will help guide its
future development as a light industrial park.
- Port
sells to Walla Walla County 3.06
acres of property at the Waitsburg Industrial Site.
Port to extend water and sewer infrastructure to industrial
park in 1998 and Walla Walla County to construct a
County Road Shop.
- Airport
selects Vince and Kelle Cannone to operate the Airport
restaurant-"Flyers at the Airport".
- Monsanto
selects Airport for a new 35 acre Pacific
Northwest Agronomy Center.
Airport agrees to construct new 6,250 square foot
shop and office building for Monsanto.
1996
-
Port helps facilitate the sale of Stokely's food processing
plant to Agripac. 35 full-time jobs and 110 part time
jobs were saved along with a $34,000 annual tax base.
- Key
Technology agrees to lease Melrose
Industrial Building from Port. Key invests $2.5 million
in equipment and building upgrades. Key creates approximately
100 new jobs during fiscal year 1996.
-
Port successfully lobbied the Washington State Legislature
to secure $1.2 million in state funds to repair flood
damage to the Blue Mountain Railroad
in Walla Walla and Columbia Counties.
-
Port receives a $20,000 grant from the Washington
State Department of Community Trade & Economic
Development to develop a comprehensive economic data
base for Walla Walla County and to develop a site
master plan for the former Louisiana Pacific property.
-
Port receives $60,000 Scenic Byways
Planning Grant to develop a corridor
master plan for U.S. Highway 12 from the Snake River
Bridge to the city limits of Walla Walla.
1995
-
Ports Public Corporation issues $110 million in Nonrecourse
Industrial Revenue Bonds for Ponderosa Fibres of Washington
Waste Paper Recycling Plant. Facility removes ink
from post consumer office wastepaper for reuse in
the manufacturing of white paper. Recycle plant creates
50 new direct jobs and pays $1.1 million in annual
property taxes.
- Port
plays key leadership role in establishing a $200,000
Small Business Loan Fund
to provide loans to nontraditional borrowers that
would not qualify for conventional bank financing.
- Airport
remodels and leases building 202 to Clay In Motion
to accommodate their expanding pottery business.
1994
- Nelson
Irrigation purchases leased facilities
from the Port.
- Port
enters into agreement with Washington State Department
of Transportation to manage a fleet of railroad grain
cars.
- Port
obtains $100,000 in Federal funding for Small Business
Center.
- Meridian
Mortgage donates downtown office
building to Port.
- Pacific
Power donates Central Substation
to Port.
- Airport
acquires 27 acre Sky-Vu Drive-In property in Airport's
Clear Zone.
- Walla
Walla County Engineering Department
constructs $3 million office, vehicle storage and
maintenance facility at the Airport.
- Washington
State Department of Transportation
constructs $2.7 million maintenance and administration
complex at the Airport.
-
One third of General Aviation Ramp
is repaved at a cost of $467,000. The Port receives
a Federal Aviation Administration Grant that provides
90% of the funding.
1993
-
Port purchases 16 acres of property in Waitsburg
for the development of an Industrial Park.
-
Port sells 8.4 acres of property at the Avery Industrial
Park to Northwest Library Bindery. NWLB goes on to
construct 22,500 square foot book bindery facility.
Today, NWLB has over 50 full-time employees, a payroll
in excess of $1 million per year and contributes $17,500
in annual property taxes.
- Walla
Walla Area Small Business Center
opens September 1st. Center focuses on free one-on-one
counseling for start-up and existing business. Since
its inception, SBC averages 600 hours of business
counseling per year, 60 hours of workshops per year,
and serves over 200 clients per year. In addition
the SBC has accounted for over $500,000 of capital
investments obtained by clients each year.
-
Airport completes Airport Interchange
Beautification Project at a cost
of $85,000. Port obtains state grant for approximately
85% of the construction costs.
-
Airport plants 365 trees in the
industrial park. Airport receives $22,900 grant from
the Washington State Department of Natural Resources
for the project. Port invests an additional $30,000
for an irrigation system.
1992
-
Port constructs parking lot in downtown
Walla Walla. Parking lot encompasses Main Street Design
features and provides 77 needed parking stalls.
- Port
Manager meets with President George Bush
on September 14th in Colville, Washington concerning
the Endangered Species Act.
- 180,000
yards of silt and sand were dredged
adjacent to the Port's Burbank Barge Slips
and High Dock property and Boise Cascade Dock. The
$1.5 million project was funded by the federal government
at the request of the Port and in consideration of
the Snake River drawdown experiment.
1990
-
Port Public Corporation issues Nonrecourse Industrial
Revenue Bonds in the amount of $4 million to
Stokely USA, Inc. (currently
owned by AGRIPAC) to finance the acquisition of new
freezer tunnels and associated food processing equipment.
- Airport
constructs new snow plow storage building
and installs runway and taxiway directional
signs in conjunction with a $397,000 FAA grant.
- McGregor
Company signs lease to build a new
fertilizer distribution facility at the Airport.
1989
-
Port constructs $8.8 million office and manufacturing
facility for Key Technology, Inc., a manufacturer
of food processing equipment. The Port's Public Corporation
issues $3 million in Nonrecourse Industrial Revenue
Bonds allowing Key to acquire equipment for the new
facility.
- Port
Acquires Airport from City of Walla
Walla and Walla Walla County.
1987
-
Port constructs 88,000 square foot manufacturing facility
for Strauser Manufacturing, Inc.
- Service
Transport leases three acres of
property at Burbank enabling the trucking firm to
construct a maintenance facility and expanded its
operations. The company has enjoyed steady growth
and today employs 40 people with a payroll of $1.3
million.
1986
-
Port Public Corporation issues $8.5 million in Nonrecourse
Industrial Revenue Bonds for Broetje Orchards.
Proceeds are used to construct an apple packing plant,
cold storage facilities, and controlled atmosphere
storage for apples. Today, Broetje Orchards has 350
full time employees and contributes $386,000 to the
annual tax base of Walla Walla County.
1985
-
Port Public Corporation issues $600,000 in Non-Recourse
Industrial Revenue Bonds to J.D.R. Investments for
the construction of the Coca-Cola
Plant located on Avery Street. The
plant is contributing $28,000 in annual property taxes.
1984
-
Port Public Corporation issues $2.2 million in Nonrecourse
Industrial Revenue Bonds for Boise Cascade
plant improvements.
1983
-
Port constructs a second 150' x 150' manufacturing
building for Nelson Irrigation.
1981
-
Port constructs 20,000 square foot office and production
facility for Grab On Products a
manufacturer of foam grips.
1973
-
Port constructs initial manufacturing facility for
Nelson Irrigation at a cost of $336,000.
This building was later expanded in 1977 to its present
150' by 150' size. Today, Nelson Irrigation has 180
employees and contributes $87,000 in annual property
taxes. They recently constructed a third manufacturing
plant.
1969
-
Atlantic Richfield Hanford constructs a major beef
packing plant near Wallula on property purchased from
the Port. The plant is now owned and operated by IBP,
Inc. The plant employs 1,400 and has an annual payroll
of $25 million. The plant contributed $490,000 in
annual property taxes.
1967
-
Port constructs an alfalfa hay pellet mill for Universal
Feeds Inc. During early production, most of the hay
pellets were sold to Japan. Today, the facility is
leased to Cograin for storing and shipping grain.
They ship an average $4 million bushels (40 barges)
of grain per year. Cograin is a partnership of Connell
Grain Growers and Odessa Grain Growers.
1966
-
Port constructs food processing facility for Sun Glo
Producers, Inc. at Sun Harbor near Burbank.
1962
-
The Port constructs seed processing plant site Albertson-Dickerson
Company in Touchet. The property and facilities were
later purchased by Northrup King and is currently
owned by Northland Seed Company.
The facilities are used for the processing and storage
of alfalfa seed.
1960
-
The Port sells ten acres of property in Burbank to
Columbia Basin Steel which constructed
a steel fabricating plant. The plant still operates
today and employs four individuals with an annual
payroll of $164,000.
1958
- Port
invests $550,000 to develop an 800,000 bushel grain
elevator and associated water front facilities in
Burbank for River Grain Terminal, Inc. The Port owns
the facility and leases it today to Cargill were they
ship an average of 8 million bushels (70 barges) of
grain per year to ports on the lower Columbia river.
The grain is then exported. Approximately 90% of all
Walla Walla County wheat is exported.
1957
-
Port leases and later sells Attalia Industrial Site
to Boise Cascade for the construction of a major pulp
and paper mill. Today, Boise Cascade has 500 employees,
an annual payroll of $40 million and pays $2.8 million
in annual property taxes.
1953-56
-
In 1954 with the completion of the McNary Dam and
its pool, which brought navigable water to Western
Walla Walla County, the Port focuses on developing
industrial sites and facilities on the Columbia and
Snake Rivers. The Port initially leases and later
purchased from the federal government three sites
on the McNary Pool: Wallula (49 acres), Attalia (156
acres) and Burbank (243 acres).
1952
-
By a 7 to 1 margin voters approved formation of a
county-wide Port District.
|
Port Accomplishments
