PASCO -- Richland's Fowler Construction has been awarded a contract to construct the first building at the Port of Pasco's proposed riverfront business park, Osprey Pointe, near Oregon and Ainsworth avenues.
The $5 million job also includes site preparation, utility installation and creation of a 5-acre landscaped public gathering place with lighted walking paths to the Columbia River shoreline, said Randy Hayden, director of planning and engineering at the port.
The project attracted contractors from Seattle, Portland, Spokane and the Tri-Cities. Fowler's bid was the lowest among the 10 bids the port got, Hayden said. The highest bid was more than $6 million, he said.
It's the first nonwarehouse-type building the port will develop in hopes of attracting new tenants and private capital for future growth, he said.
The port is using $4.2 million from an insurance settlement to pay for the 20,000-square-foot, two-story building. The 11-month projects starts at the end of the month.
The port administration will occupy about 8,500 square feet on the second floor. "The first floor will be left as shell space for future," Hayden said.
The port hopes the business park, with its unique business setting near the river and close proximity to warehouses, manufacturing space, good transportation access and recreational opportunities at nearby Sacajawea State Park, will help generate $90 million in investments and provide 1,700 jobs over the next two decades.
Hayden said he wants to clarify that the port is not constructing a new building for itself. The port decided to go ahead with the project because of a stipulation to use the insurance money within two years. The port was compensated for a warehouse fire on East Dock Street that occurred in February 2008. "It's also a favorable bid climate."
The building will help attract private developers
to the business park, and to set the design standards for the business park, he said. "We would like the development to have a cohesive feel to it."
-- Pratik Joshi: 582-1541; pjoshi@tricityherald.com; Business Beat blog at www.tricityherald.com
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Tri-City area port commissioners laid out a list of projects officials hope will bring more private investment to the community.
Those projects help private businesses create jobs, Port of Pasco Commission President Bill Clark told about 200 people Wednesday at the State of the Ports event hosted by the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce at the Richland Red Lion.
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Commissioners mull how to pay for projects
Commissioners mull how to pay for projects
Completing the capital projects on the Port of Pasco's high priority list may require a $3 million bond and an increase in airport parking and rental car fees.
Port commissioners debated how to pay for the projects, including the first phase of the Tri-Cities Airport terminal expansion Tuesday.
Completing all projects on the port's five-year plan would leave the port in the hole, said Randy Hayden, the port's director of planning and engineering. The port's portion of all 28 proposed projects would cost more than $19 million in the next five years.
Burbank Business Park closer to reality
Burbank Business Park closer to reality
BURBANK -- A major milestone for future development in the Burbank Business Park soon may be reached.
An agreement for the Port of Walla Walla to purchase Pasco's excess sewer capacity only needs Pasco City Council approval to become final.
Port of Walla Walla commissioners unanimously approved the agreement earlier this month. The Pasco City Council may consider the agreement in February.
COMING TO LIFE: Port of Walla Walla looks to add more businesses in Burbank
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BURBANK — By this time next year, a bank branch, dental office, dry cleaner and even a fast food restaurant could be staking claim on the empty lots lining Highway 12 between Humorist Road and State Route 124.
With a water system in place, sewer system in the works and a new interchange under construction on the highway, a long-term vision to develop the Port of Walla Walla’s Burbank Business Park is coming to life one step at a time.
Port Executive Director Jim Kuntz unveiled an ambitious timeline for the next part of the project. He hopes to have a binding site plan that will allow the division of lots for commercial and industrial property at the Port’s more than 100-acre park in place by next March. The 85-lot plan needs approval from Walla Walla County before the lots can be sold and developed.
Port of Walla Walla to go for short-term, accelerate Burbank plans
Port of Walla Walla to go for short-term, accelerate Burbank plans
By this time next year, a bank branch, dental office, dry cleaner and even a fast food restaurant could be staking claim on the empty lots lining Highway 12 between Humorist Road and Highway 124.
With a water system in place, sewer system in the works and a new interchange under construction on the highway, a long-term vision to develop the Port of Walla Walla's Burbank Business Park is coming to life one step at a time.
Port Executive Director Jim Kuntz unveiled an ambitious timeline for the next part of the project.
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