Port to assist City of Walla Walla with broadband infrastructure demonstration project on Alder Street

“Investing in
community infrastructure that supports existing
and new business
opportunities
remains a priority
of the Port.”

Mike Fredrickson
Vice President
Port of WW Commission

     Responding to a request from the City of Walla Walla, the Port of Walla Walla has agreed to install conduit and dark fiber as part of the city’s Alder Street improvement project.
The Port’s potion of the cost is estimated at $60,000.
     “Investing in community infrastructure that supports existing and new business opportunities remains a priority of the Port,” emphasizes Mike Fredrickson, Port Commission Vice President. “Having adequate fiber infrastructure that allows service providers to reach more businesses and/or provide enhanced service to existing businesses is essential infrastructure for progressive communities.”
     While the Port has agreed to fund this fiber infrastructure demonstration project, the Port Commission has also authorized a larger study to determine what role it could play in extending fiber throughout the Port District.
     The Port has retained Magellan Advisors, who has an outstanding reputation of working with local governments, to help define its role and identify opportunities to expand fiber that will enhance community economic vitality. Once the study is completed in 2015, the Port will have a better understanding of the role it can play.
     In the meantime, as Alder Street is under construction, the Port will be laying the conduit and dark fiber so the opportunity to have an improved fiber network is not lost.

WW Veterans Home funded, 100 new family wage jobs by 2016

     It isn’t often 100 new family-wage jobs are created in the Walla Walla Valley with a single project. Yet, this is the case with an announcement that the long-sought after Veterans Home had been fully funded. The 80-bed care center, encompassing some 82,000 square feet will be a complex of small houses on the existing VA campus. It will provide care to aging veterans and surviving spouses.
     Washington State is providing $12 million in funding. The Federal Veterans Affairs is providing $23 million. Construction is expected to begin in the Spring, 2015 and if all goes well the complex should be completed by mid-2016.
     When completed and ready to staff, 100 new jobs will be created. Many will be in the health care field and will add some $5 million in new payroll to the Walla Walla Valley. The multiplier effect of these payroll dollars being spent with local merchants will add significantly to Walla Walla’s economic vitality.
     A strong supporter of the WWVH, Senator Patty Murray said it best. “There are few communities in our country that offer more passion and support for our Veterans than Walla Walla,” she emphasized.

     The local Veterans Coalition, lead by the City of Walla Walla and supported by its Mayor, City Council members and administration deserve thanks.
     The Port of Walla Walla has also championed this project.
     All entities presented a united voice in Olympia and Washington D.C. in advocating for this vital development.
     Washington State Senator Mike Hewitt and Representatives Maureen Walsh and Terry Nealey were instrumental in securing state funding. In addition to Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers were helpful in securing federal funding.
     Senator Murray is credited with being a guiding force in making the Walla Walla Veterans Home a reality.
     She used her position on the Senate Budget Committee and Senate Veterans Affairs Commission to make sure federal funding was provided for this vital project.
She wouldn’t take “no” for an answer.

“The multiplier effect
of these payroll dollars
being spent with local
merchants will add
significantly to
Walla Walla’s
economic vitality.”

Peter Swant
Secretary
Port of Walla Walla Commission