Port of Clarkston Business Hub Funding Included in Final Spending Bill

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that the $350,000 she secured for the Port of Clarkston has been included in the final version of the Fiscal Year 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The funds will be used to help the Port of Clarkston build a 30-acre industrial park that will serve as a hub for new and growing small manufacturing businesses in the region. The final version of the spending bill came out of a conference committee between the Senate and the House and is expected to pass both bodies shortly before being sent to the President for his signature.

“As families across southeastern Washington continue to struggle, this funding brings job to the region immediately and helps put in place a strong foundation for long-term economic growth,” said Senator Patty Murray. “The Port of Clarkston is poised to be a leader in the clean energy economy of the future, and I am proud to support these investments that will help the entire region.”

“The Port of Clarkston is delighted that Senator Murray has worked to include this critical funding,” said Marvin Jackson, Chair of the Port Commission.  “This investment will provide a strong boost to Asotin County’s economy and will help our region’s business community grow.”

This funding will help the Port of Clarkston build a 30-acre industrial park that will serve as a hub for new and growing small manufacturing businesses in the region.  This will allow the Port of Clarkston to make strategic investments in water, sewer, fiber and other infrastructure that will benefit at least 50 businesses and allow for new small manufacturers or suppliers to establish operations. 

This project is projected to create over 200 new jobs in the first 3 years during and after completion.  These funds will be used to hire a full time project manager, procure broadband connectivity, pay for water and electricity access, and hire contractors to re-contour lands, provide parcel access, create public safety equipment access and create water retention basins. 

The opportunity for small businesses to support the development of wind and other forms of renewable energy production in southeastern Washington State is significantly limited by a lack of basic industrial infrastructure in the region. 

Wind energy projects are being developed in the region, with a 400 turbine project currently being permitted in neighboring Garfield County.  Existing businesses in the community are prohibited from expanding their present locations due to lack of infrastructure.

The Port has secured remaining funds for the completion of the industrial park and would expect to have the project completed within 18 months.

The funding was included in the final version of the Fiscal Year 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Senator Murray is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.