Washington river port gains state funds to support growth plans
4/29/2026
By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor
The Port of Pasco in Washington was formed in 1940 to provide facilities for area grain barged on the Columbia River to coastal terminals.
Over the years, the river port has grown to incorporate Tri-Cities Airport, the Big Pacso Industrial Center, Pasco Processing Center and a container barge terminal. And now, more growth is on the horizon.
The port recently secured $500,000 in funding from the Washington state legislature to support two projects that call for advancing manufacturing and industrial development in the area.
Of the funding, $250,000 will be used to help develop a comprehensive engineering master plan for the Reimann Industrial Center. The port will provide a $62,5000 match for the plan.
The port recently acquired an additional 320 acres to expand the 300-acre industrial center, which is the state’s first BNSF Railway-certified site. BNSF operates a major yard nearby and serves the port and industrial center.
The 300-acre Reimann Industrial Center is near the port and a BNSF yard. The port recently acquired an additional 320 acres to expand the center.Port of PascoLots at the center can be customized for food processing, manufacturing, data centers, renewable energy plants and logistics ventures. Demand for land at the center has remained strong following recent developments, so planning for future growth is a priority, port officials say.
The engineering master plan will guide the development of future infrastructure, utilities and other readiness features for the remaining acreage.
“Future rail infrastructure will be considered in the project’s scope of work,” said Stephen McFadden, the port’s deputy executive director, in an email. “The timeline for completing the engineering master plan is the first or second quarter of 2027. Actual construction of public infrastructure will be contingent on funding.”
The other $250,000 provided by the state will help support a market analysis for a proposed Industrial Symbiosis Park that would provide sites for manufacturers to reuse energy, materials and byproducts.
The study will include a national assessment of manufacturers that might be interested in locating in a Pacific Northwest industrial park focused on green energy and waste-to-energy technology, port officials said.
The project’s goals are to position Washington as a North American leader in efficient, climate-smart industrial development, support sustainable manufacturing and reduce environmental impacts, they said.
“By studying new models for sustainable manufacturing and preparing additional land for development at Reimann, we’re creating opportunities for companies to grow here while strengthening the regional economy,” said Adam Lincoln, the port’s executive director, in a press release.
