From Eyesore to Award Winner

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By Molly Kelleher

Summary

An old eye sore is now an award winner from the governor. It's quite a turnaround for the Richland Wye. Thursday, Governor Chris Gregoire named five winners in the state for best economic development.

Story Published: Oct 15, 2009 at 5:01 PM PST

From Eyesore to Award Winner
RICHLAND - An old eye sore is now an award winner from the governor. It's quite a turnaround for the Richland Wye.

Thursday, Governor Chris Gregoire named five winners in the state for best economic development.

And the Port of Kennewick's business park takes the prize. About a decade ago, this was all over grown and crime ridden.

Then the port developed the 30 acres to lure in new businesses. That's created nearly 500 jobs.

"It was a risky move on our commissioners part. They were really thinking out of the box being creative and recognizing an opportunity to bring vitality to an area that had been neglected. We are proud of the award recognizes their bold investment," said Tana Bader Inglima with the Port of Kennewick.


There's a few spots under construction and some space for sale. Selling off properties has brought in a million dollars in profit for the Port.