Aerial view of the 1,900 acre Boise Fibre Farm recently purchased by the Port of Walla Walla. |
In a decision that Commission President Paul Schneidmiller
says will create “a strategic advantage in attracting new industries,”
the Port of Walla Walla has purchased the Boise Fibre Farm at
Wallula.
“There are very few tracts of industrially zoned property like
this in Washington State,” Schneidmiller explained. “Having the
site properly zoned and ready for development gives the Port a
valuable asset when it comes to recruiting new industries.”
The purchase price for what has been Boise’s “tree farm” was
$4 million.
Port officials said most of the property is already designated
for industrial development purposes consistent with Walla Walla
County’s comprehensive plan.
Chuck Wierman, manager of the Boise Fibre Farm, explains
that his company’s decision to sell the property followed a supply
assessment. |
“We concluded that the Wallula Fibre Farm no longer represents
a long term strategic source of fi bre for Boise,” Wierman said.
“While we believe fibre farms will continue to be a supplier for
the Wallula mill, Boise has suffi cient access to other resources,
including the 4,400 acre Ice Harbor Farm.”
Dick Larman, business development manager for the
Washington State Department of Community Trade & Economic
Development, applauded the Port’s decision.
“The Port of Walla Walla is well managed and very strategic in
preparing and positioning Walla Walla County and Southeastern
Washington for significant economic development projects,”
Larman said. “We look forward to continuing our work with them
on attracting investments to Washington State. “
The Port has successfully recruited large industries to sites in
western Walla Walla County, including Boise’s Pulp & Paper Mill,
Tyson Fresh Meats and the Railex distribution center. |
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Port presentations for organizations
Port of Walla Walla officials are available
to make personal, on-site presentations
to area service clubs, schools and other
interested organizations.
To make arrangements, call the Port
offices with information about your
group, its meeting date and time and
any additional details that will help with
scheduling.
The phone number is 509-525-3100 or e-mail jk@portwallawalla.com |
Long awaited Burbank water system ready to go, $3.5 million project to be completed by mid-2008 |
The Port of Walla Walla’s long sought after
goal of developing a public water system to
serve its Burbank Business Park will soon be
realized.
Port Commissioners plan to award a
$3.5 million construction contract before year
end, 2007. The selected firm is to begin work
in January, 2008 and finish by June.
In addition to providing potable water for
the Port’s business park, the water system will
be extended to serve the Columbia School
District elementary, middle and high school
buildings in Burbank. |
The Port successfully obtained financial
assistance for the project with a $1.6 million
appropriation from Washington State and a
$721,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
Port officials praised Washington State
Senator Mike Hewitt and Representatives Bill
Grant and Maureen Walsh – all of Walla Walla
County – for their support in obtaining state
funding.
U.S. Senator Patty Murray, of Washington
State, also received Port appreciation for her
work in getting the federal EPA grant. |
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