December 18, 2025

RICHLAND, Wash. – Port of Benton announced today that it has received clean, unmodified audit opinions for its fiscal year 2024 financial statements and its federal single audit, with no findings.

Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO) conducted the audit. The audit included a comprehensive review of the port’s financial reporting, internal controls, federal grant compliance, and adherence to state laws and regulations. The results confirm that the port’s financial practices are accurate, transparent, and fully compliant with all applicable state and federal requirements.

“A clean audit reflects our commitment to accountability, responsible management of public resources and the trust our community places in us,” said Jeff Lubeck, the port director of finance. "We are proud of this outcome and the work our entire port team does every day to ensure strong financial stewardship and compliance with port policies, practices and procedures.”

Full audit reports are available on the Washington State Auditor’s Office website. They are also on the Planning and Finance page on the port’s website.

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About Port of Benton
Port of Benton drives economic growth, development and private-sector investment in its district and the broader region through innovative projects and infrastructure improvements. The port’s airports, business parks, industrial facilities and tourism and recreation attractions further enhance the region’s economic vitality.

Contact

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Summers Miya
Public Information Officer

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  509.375.3060
  

December 15, 2025

RICHLAND, Wash. – Port of Benton’s 2026 budget is balanced and includes significant investments in essential infrastructure and economic development initiatives. The financial plan also results in a lower levy rate for port district taxpayers and anticipates a $186,000 net surplus.

Highlights of the budget include:

• Balanced Budget: The port projects a net surplus of $186,000 through prudent fiscal management.
• Property Tax Reduction: The port’s property tax levy rate will decrease for the eighth consecutive year, with an overall 19% reduction for taxpayers since 2019.
• Revenue Growth: Operating revenues are expected to decrease by 2%, from $7.7 million to $7.5 million.
• Strategic Investments: Grants will fund 76.5%, or $11.5 million, of the planned $15 million in capital projects, including critical rail repairs and improvements, airport enhancements (pending Federal Aviation Administration funding) and maintenance at Crow Butte Park. Property tax revenues, carryover project dollars from the prior year, and sales of other port assets will fund the remainder of project costs.

“This balanced budget reflects our ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and delivering value to the taxpayers of our district,” said Jeff Lubeck, port finance director. “By reducing the property tax levy rate and securing significant grant funding for critical infrastructure projects, we are ensuring that every dollar is used strategically to strengthen our region’s economic future.”

Port of Benton’s Commission approved the budget following a public hearing at its Nov. 12 meeting. Read the 2026 Port of Benton Budget on the port’s website at portofbenton.com/about-the-port/planning-and-finance.

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About Port of Benton
Port of Benton drives economic growth, development and private-sector investment in its district and the broader region through innovative projects and infrastructure improvements. The port’s airports, business parks, industrial facilities and tourism and recreation attractions further enhance the region’s economic vitality.

Contact

Download A Copy Of This Press Release

Summers Miya
Public Information Officer

• 
  Email
  
• 
  509.375.3060