Economic Development

Port of Benton is a vital economic engine for the Tri-Cities region! We generate jobs, strengthen the local and state economies and help increase tourism while enhancing the local quality of life.

Businesses in our district employ thousands of Tri-Citians in high-paying professions. These businesses also generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for the local and state economy.

Washington’s ports are the only public agencies with the primary purpose of economic development, and for more than 60 years, Port of Benton has produced significant results.

About The Port

Community Impacts in the Port District

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Million

Port District high-impact sectors produce $388 million in goods and services each year

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Million

Companies in Port facilities generate $564 million in revenue each year, which represents 5% of Benton County’s economy

Jobs

Port District companies support more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs

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Million

Businesses in Port properties have an annual payroll of approximately $200 million

High-Tech Business Incubator

The Port in partnership with Energy Northwest, TRIDEC and City of Richland established the APEL facility to support entrepreneurship and small business start-up and business needs.

Higher Education

The Port and City of Richland donated 95 acres to Washington State University for its Tri‐Cities campus.

Wine Industry Impacts

Jobs

256 direct jobs on Port development sites = 700 indirect jobs in the state

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Million

$165 million in goods and services are produced annually

The Wine Science Center, located on 3.5 acres donated by the Port, serves wineries throughout the Pacific Northwest by providing research and qualified students with degrees in Viticulture and Enology.

The Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center grounds and facilities are owned by the Port and operated by a nonprofit educational partner.

Facts & Stats

Nearly $90 million in assets

2,756 acres

12 sites

50 buildings

2 airports

1 barge slip & 1 high dock

The Port manages a budget of nearly $13 million with the majority of operations covered by lease income; taxes are dedicated to capital projects

Port of Benton Economic Impact to Washington State

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Million

$665 million in payroll revenue generated annually in the Port District

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Indirect Jobs

Each job within the Port District = 2.0 indirect jobs

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Million

Port facilities contribute $327 million annually in value-added agriculture to the Gross State Product

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Million

State and local government agencies annually collect more than $23 million in indirect business taxes

Community Engagement

Port of Benton is committed to public outreach and engagement to ensure we communicate about and invite input on the work we are doing to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve. This commitment helps us keep a focus on the future as we evolve and grow with our diverse community.

The Port’s collaborative relationships with the public, stakeholders and our economic development partners help us deliver local projects that bring business, create jobs and further development in the region.

Our outreach and engagement efforts include:

Maintaining open lines of communication and encouraging public input using a variety of methods, including meetings, surveys, plans and more
Increasing awareness about the Port’s economic development activities through our newsletter, social media channels, speaking engagements, tours, and participating at conferences, events and on boards
Building long-term partnerships that significantly benefit the region
Investing in properties and facilities to foster economic development

We value and encourage your involvement now and in the years ahead. The Port is dedicated to strategic plans and projects that support economic vitality and reflect community input and expectations.