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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.

Chukar Cherries Storefront and Headquarters
Richland Airport Tower at sunrise

Community Impacts in the Port District

$ 0
Million
Port District high-impact sectors produce $388 million in goods and services each year
$ 0
Million
Companies in Port facilities generate $564 million in revenue each year, which represents 5% of Benton County’s economy
0
Jobs
Port District companies support more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs
$ 0
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

0
Jobs

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

$ 0
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

$ 0
Million
$665 million in payroll revenue generated annually in the Port District
0 x
Indirect Jobs
Each job within the Port District = 2.0 indirect jobs
$ 0
Million

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

$ 0
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:
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.

Economic Development Partners

We work with our economic development partners to plan, develop and promote local business growth. Our partners include:
Benton County logo
City of Benton City logo
City of Prosser, Washington logo
City of Richland logo
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory logo
Energy Northwest logo
Fuse logo
Port of Kennewick logo
Port of Pasco logo
Historic Prosser logo
Prosser Chamber of Commerce logo
Prosser Economic Development Association logo
TC Hispanic Chamber logo
TC Research District logo
Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce logo
TRIDEC logo
Visit Tri-Cities logo
Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center logo

Connect With Us

Port News

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Commission Meetings

Provide input during our regular Commission meetings – see dates.

Tours

Request a classroom or group tour inside the USS Triton Sail.

Port Presenter

Check availability for a Port speaker at your meeting or event.

Closed, but still awesome.

  • 1st day of January (New Year’s Day)
  • 3rd Monday of January (Martin Luther King Day)
  • 3rd Monday of February (President’s Day)
  • Last Monday of May (Memorial Day)
  • 19th day of June (Juneteenth)
  • 4th day of July (Independence Day)
  • 1st Monday in September (Labor Day)
  • 11th day of November (Veteran’s Day)
  • 4th Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day)
  • The day immediately following Thanksgiving Day
  • 25th day of December (Christmas Day)