Benton County Commission: Growth and transition to ensure success for residents

Benton County, with its estimated population now exceeding 200,000, continues to see growth and transition throughout the county government that mirrors the community as a whole. As we embark on a new decade, the county organization is also experiencing growth and transition as we welcome a new administrative team and continue to grow our infrastructure to better serve our residents.

In 2019, the county opened its new Public Services Building at 102206 E. Wiser Parkway, Kennewick, which created a “one-stop shop” in the Tri-Cities for county residents’ building, planning, and public works needs. This facility adds a new location for the Building, Planning, and Public Works departments, while all three maintain their presence in Prosser, the county seat.

We continue to build on this service model as we begin construction on a new Administration Building at the Justice Center campus in Kennewick, which will house the offices of the assessor, auditor, treasurer, commissioners, and various administration departments.

This historic effort combines offices that often work in partnership and creates yet another “one-stop shop” model for residents seeking services. This new building will also provide county employees with increased safety, efficiency and improved communication.

In 2019, the county also continued its collaborative effort with Franklin County to secure funding from the Washington State Legislature to assist in the design, and possibly the construction, of improved administration offices, court facilities and classrooms at the Juvenile Justice Center. Though our request was not funded in full, the counties received $750,000 in state appropriations to fund design of this improved facility. The existing facilities, at 5606 W. Canal Drive in Kennewick, date to the 1970s and are undersized and outdated.

As designed, this project would create space for modernized courtrooms, classrooms for GED and other educational programs, space for counseling and diversion programs, and additional office space. The upgrade would also increase security to improve the safety of employees, judges, and members of the public visiting the Juvenile Justice Center.

In an effort to continue our collaboration with government and community partners, the county continues to invest its Rural County Capital Fund to support new capital infrastructure projects in the community that contribute to job growth and economic diversification.

In the past three years, the county its partners at the cities and port districts have invested over $9 million into the community to fund projects varying from road improvements to public infrastructure and community gathering places.

The county is committed to continued growth and development of community partnerships with our fellow public agencies as well as other businesses to provide robust amenities and services countywide.

We encourage our residents and visitors to stay engaged and informed. Our website is an excellent resource for information about our departments, programs, and events. Visit us at www.co.benton.wa.us for up-to-date information on County news and events and be sure to follow us on social media for additional information.

We are excited for what 2020 holds and are prepared and eager to work with our community to ensure continued growth and success this year and for years to come.

This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Benton County Commission: Growth and transition to ensure success for residents."