Port of Benton

Port districts were created to promote economic development within their districts. The Port of Benton’s areas of focus are agribusiness, manufacturing, technology, transportation, and tourism. The Port has over 2,000 acres, over fifty buildings, two airports, barge, and a short line rail facility.

There are several opportunities for business development in Prosser including Vintner’s Village Phase II. This wine and commercial destination is located just off I-82 at exit 82. The initial phase included 32 acres sold to companies such as Yellow Rose Nursery, Thurston Wolfe Winery, and Wine o’clock bistro. There are currently thirteen wineries located here. The second phase started with 7 Gables Pensione B&B then leads into 19 lots with full infrastructure, street lights, sidewalks, and a trail system that transects the wineries. These lots have been planned with great highway visibility and are available for sale.

Another key agribusiness related project is the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center. The Clore Center includes an outdoor event center that is already available for events. The Clore center share’s the region’s agricultural story focusing on the wine industry. The center is located between the two Port wine parks, Prosser Wine and Food Park and Prosser Vintner’s Village.

Investment in our future is the primary focus for our sites located in north Richland. The Port provides a portion of some of our staff’s time to support the Tri-Cities Research District a state of Washington Innovation Partnership Zone. The district research park area encompasses 1,700-acres inclusive of two port development areas, the Technology and Business Campus and Richland Innovation Center. This partnership for marketing and recruitment is not only with the adjacent property and building owners but also includes the communities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. In the past three years, over $40 million in development has occurred at these sites. Upgrades to broadband infrastructure and enhancements to roadways have been completed. The Port, City of Richland, and Wine Science Center Development Authority partnership with WSU Tri-Cities has resulted in the $23 million Wine Science Center. Its construction will be completed during 2015 on port property recently deeded to WSU. The Port will also work with TRIDEC, Benton County, and the City of Richland on implementing the congressionally approved land transfer request via the Department of Energy for 1,641 acres just north of the Research District to allow the creation of large industrial sites.

The Port recently acquired the Technology and Enterprise Center development building that supports several commercial start-up companies. The Port also has two redevelopment buildings within Benton City’s downtown to help commercial and retail companies grow. The Port owns development buildings within the majority of its sites along with land sites for sale or land lease. At the Port of Benton we’re moving business forward.

For more information please visit our website at www.portofbenton.com or call 509-375-3060.