June 29, 2023

Richland, Wash. – Port of Benton will host a community tribute on Thursday, July 6, at 2 p.m. to recognize Robert L. Ferguson’s vision, leadership, dedication and advocacy for the Tri-Cities.

The event will include a street-renaming ceremony and the unveiling of a commemorative monument in honor of the late community leader who died on Aug. 12.

The Port of Benton Commission approved Proclamation 23-01 at its June 14, 2023, meeting, honoring Ferguson.

The proclamation reads in part, “’Bob’s’ generosity and compassionate spirit will live on in those who were lucky enough to work with him and will remain strong for generations to come, and the impact of Bob’s contributions to the community will forever stay a legacy throughout the community.”

Ferguson was an essential leader in advanced clean energy and education initiatives, including a major contribution to Washington State University, which led to the creation of the Institute of Northwest Energy Futures.

He was one of the youngest reactor operators at Hanford’s B Reactor, project manager at the Fast Flux Test Facility, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Department of Energy and President of R.L. Ferguson & Associates.

Ferguson was the first chairman of the Tri-Cities Development Council (TRIDEC), a former chief executive officer of Washington Public Power Supply System, now Energy Northwest, a tireless advocate of the Hanford site, and co-founder of “Clean Up Hanford Now,” a nonprofit advocating for the cleanup of the Hanford site.