February 5, 2026

RICHLAND, Wash. – The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) joined the Port of Benton, Port of Pasco and Port of Walla Walla in signing an interlocal agreement to develop an Inland Logistics Hub in the Tri-Cities region of southeastern Washington. This partnership establishes a framework for joint efforts to enhance international trade, expand cargo movement and strengthen Washington state’s supply chain infrastructure.  

The envisioned Inland Logistics Hub will leverage existing regional assets, including available industrial-zoned land and access to Class I railroads and major highways with direct connections to the coastal seaport. The hub will also support the development of new logistics capabilities, including intermodal transfer operations, distribution and warehousing facilities and barge facilities with access to the Columbia-Snake River system.

The agreement focuses on joint planning and coordinated marketing efforts to attract investment from international trade customers and companies, alignment on land-use and transportation planning and collaborative pursuit of funding opportunities. It seeks to build on the success of the current rail service connection offered by Tri-Cities Intermodal, which launched in 2024.

The ports view an Inland Logistics Hub as a vehicle to drive increased economic development and job creation across urban and rural Washington communities, improve export access for eastern Washington agricultural and industrial products, and attract new businesses involved in global trade to the state.

The collaboration leverages collective resources while preserving competitive options for each port district, delivering lasting value to the state for years to come.

Together, the port partners are committed to advancing this collaborative effort toward an Inland Logistics Hub in the Tri-Cities and look forward to realizing shared economic benefits for all of Washington state.

Quotes

NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President Dick Marzano:

“The signing of this Interlocal Agreement marks a significant step forward in regional cooperation. By partnering together, we are building resilient trade corridors that will create family-wage jobs, support Washington exporters, and ensure our Puget Sound gateway remains competitive in global markets for generations.”

NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins:

“This collaborative framework with the Ports of Benton, Pasco and Walla Walla aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to expand inland connections. Together, we will unlock new opportunities for economic growth, enhance supply chain efficiency and deliver shared prosperity that benefits communities statewide.”

Port of Benton Interim Executive Director Ron Branine:

“The Port of Benton is grateful for the strong coordination among our partner ports and The Northwest Seaport Alliance. This interlocal agreement represents a significant step toward creating lasting benefits for our community and the entire region. By working together, we can strengthen supply chains, attract new investments and deliver economic opportunities that will positively impact families and businesses across Washington state.”

Port of Pasco Executive Director Adam Lincoln:

“At the Port of Pasco, we see this effort as a natural extension of our work to connect local producers and businesses to global markets. We are excited to partner with The Northwest Seaport Alliance and our local partners on this endeavor. Coordinating planning and investment will support sustainable growth, stronger supply chain performance and long-term value for the region and Washington state.

Port of Walla Walla Commissioner Kip Kelly:

“The Port of Walla Walla has a long and productive working relationship with The Northwest Seaport Alliance, and this interlocal agreement builds on that foundation while strengthening our partnership with the Ports of Benton and Pasco. By working together, we can create an Inland Logistics Hub that eases congestion in the Puget Sound metro area, improves supply-chain efficiency, and delivers meaningful environmental benefits. This agreement recognizes that cooperation across regions is essential to a resilient, efficient and globally competitive Washington trade system.”

Port of Walla Walla Executive Director Patrick Reay:

“The Port of Walla Walla is excited to formalize this interlocal agreement with our partner ports as we continue to expand the Inland Logistics Hub and support growth at the existing Tri-Cities Intermodal facility, located within our Dodd Road Industrial Park.

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