December 13, 2024



Washington Public Ports Association recognizes the Port of Moses Lake as 2024 Port of the Year

OLYMPIA, Washington—Each year the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) recognizes outstanding work within the port community at the association’s Annual Meeting in December.

WPPA is pleased to announce the 2024 Port of the Year: the Port of Moses Lake. The Port is recognized for its extraordinary work to grow its local economy, enhance infrastructure, and invest in partnerships and opportunities to benefit communities in and around Grant County.

“The Port of Moses Lake has a sterling record of driving economic growth in Grant County, and this year was no exception,” said WPPA Executive Director Eric ffitch. “Between completing their wastewater expansion and reuse project, progressing their rail access project, showing creative growth in the aviation space, and leading the way in addressing our region’s critical need for power, the Port has been busy and has seen success in the areas that are core to the mission of many ports. Their numerous accomplishments have already had many positive impacts including serving as an example to other ports and economic development leaders. We are pleased to recognize the Port of Moses Lake as our 2024 Port of the Year.”

One of ten ports in Grant County, the Port of Moses Lake and its sister ports provide critical economic opportunities to the region. The Port’s thoughtful collaboration and leadership have made significant impacts this year in job creation, agriculture, and local business development.

Key 2024 accomplishments include:

·     An $8 million wastewater expansion project, which includes a 13-acre, 70-million-gallon retention pond and new well and pump house, with a 750-horsepower pump capable of pumping up to 2,800 gallons per minute. The project increased wastewater treatment capacity for Port tenant businesses, with a bonus: In the spring and summer, treated water is used to irrigate local alfalfa fields.

·     Land acquisitions to drive progress on planned construction of a rail spur off the Northern Columbia Basin Rail line to provide uninterrupted rail access for Port properties.

·     Adopting a tax increment financing proposal in spring 2024, projected to raise over $350 million for economic development projects over the next 25 years.

·     Rapid expansion and upgraded facilities for multiple businesses in the Port district, including Stoke Space, OneD, Sila, Group14, Okanogan Fruit, and Twelve.

·     Working in partnership with WPPA, businesses, and local, state, and federal elected officials to address the critical need for power, both in Grant County and for Washington ports at large.

Learn more about the Port of Moses Lake at www.portofmoseslake.com.  

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As a state legislative and regulatory advocacy organization, the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) fosters public policy for ports to achieve their goals. The WPPA was formed by the Legislature in 1961 to represent public port districts throughout Washington, serving as the focus through which ports work cooperatively to develop policy direction, share information, and address issues on economic development, trade, transportation, and environmental stewardship. Public port districts offer a wide range of locally governed services, including marine terminals, barge facilities, industrial development, marinas, airports, railroads, and tourism promotion. Learn more at washingtonports.org.

CONTACT

Eric ffitch, Executive Director
Washington Public Ports Association
E: effitch@washingtonports.org
T: 360-763-1179