Barge Complex Planned Projects
Barge Complex Planned Projects
Port of Benton Electrification Project
Port of Benton has applied for a Port Electrification Program Grant to support the installation of zero-emission shore-side power infrastructure at its Barge Complex in North Richland.
This project includes expanding the existing mooring capacity to accommodate additional vessels and installing shore power capabilities to meet the current and future needs of maritime customers. The improvements will help reduce emissions, support sustainable operations, and enhance the port’s ability to serve a growing range of commercial users. PND Engineers has been selected as the design firm, and the project is actively progressing.
Completed Work as of 7/31/2025:
• Upland and bathymetric surveys
• Boundary and ground-penetrating radar scans
• Low, normal, and maximum water pool calculations
• Sheet pile corrosion assessment
• First round of stakeholder engagement
• Initial concept development for shore power
• Preliminary desktop permitting review
Next Steps
• Review and incorporate stakeholder feedback
• Finalize the preferred concept
• Begin detailed (final) design work
• Initiate cultural resource investigations (scheduled for August)
• Advance to 30% design and submit SEPA, JARPA, and Shoreline permits
• Begin in-water permitting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District
Supporting the Community’s Vision
This project would support the state’s 100% carbon-free electricity mandates and our shared Tri-Cities vision of being a model for a net-zero emissions community.
Green Corridor Supporting Growing Our Industries
Port of Benton’s barge complex offers many advantages for the region’s vast industry. The barge complex is in Richland, Washington, at River Mile 343 and is part of the M-84 green corridor connected to markets throughout the Northwest via the Columbia River.
Connected ports include Vancouver, Kalama, Longview and Clarkston in Washington and Portland, Oregon. Goods access intercoastal barge traffic via the Northwest Seaport Alliance ports of Seattle and Tacoma.
Project Schedule
This project is currently in the design phase. Permitting is estimated to take approximately 12 months from the time of submission. The in-water work window is planned for November through February, with a target of being construction-ready for the 2026/2027 window. Final project completion will follow that phase.
Project Funding
Port of Benton has applied for a Port Electrification Program Grant via the Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) to fund this project.
The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
Barge Facility Improvements
The Port is actively contracting for design and updates to the barge complex along the Columbia River in north Richland.
This construction project will enable the facility to accept larger brake-bold shipments and create additional moorage as a location for river cruise ships.
Projected Schedule
This project is in the contract phase. The Port will provide a projected project timeline once the design phase is complete.
Project Funding
Port of Benton is funding the design portion of this project.
Project Updates
Port Offering Free Public Bus Tour on October 1
Port of Benton is hosting a free bus tour of the port’s district for the community.
Port of Benton Receives $2.7 Million Electrification Grant
Washington State Department of Transportation awarded Port of Benton a $2.7 million Port Electrification Grant last week for a project to install a shore power at its north Richland barge complex on the Columbia River.
Communications & Outreach
The Port is engaging with the public, partners and other stakeholders to gather input on plans for our barge complex in Richland.
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2024
Port Electrification US Conference
June 25 – 26, 2024
The Westin Long Beach, California
State of the Ports 2024 Presentation
March 12, 2024
Pasco Red Lion
State of the Ports 2024
Watch Video
Northwest Seaport Alliance Reception
January 17, 2024
Letters of Support
Port Barge Complex History
In 1962, Port of Benton’s comprehensive plan included adding a dock to the Port’s waterfront property.
The purpose was to provide a public docking site for off-loading or on-loading barges and other water-borne cargo. A second purpose was the construction of water intake facilities, including pipelines, to provide machinery necessary to withdraw water for irrigation purposes.
In late November of 1972, the Port celebrated the completion of the barge unloading facility on the Columbia River.
Visit the main Port’s barge complex web page to learn more about the slip and high dock facilities.
