Whitman County- Today, the Port of Whitman County approved an economic development agreement with the Council on Aging and Human Services (COA) to help fund COA’s proposed COAST Transportation fare-free loops between Colfax, Albion, Pullman, and Moscow.  

At today’s commission meeting, the Port pledged up to $40,000 to help COA meet a match funding goal required to receive a grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Local organizations including the Pullman Downtown Association, Colfax Thrifty Grandmothers, Kiwanis Club of Colfax, Colfax Downtown Association and Colfax Chamber of Commerce have also committed funds to assist with the route expansion. During the commission meeting, COA and COAST employees expressed their gratitude to the local organizations that have committed funding. 

 "We at COA and COAST are so excited to get this service rolling,” COA Executive Director Paige Collins said. “The shuttle expansion will not only allow for more of our community members to access crucial services, but it will also open up spots in our ADA-accessible van and bus services for more people who actually need the ramp in order to get into and out of a vehicle safely. The shuttle will be an amazing asset for the local community.” 

With the grant funds, COAST plans to purchase two buses and add two new routes that will run on a loop schedule six days a week. One loop will connect Colfax, Albion and Pullman. The other will serve Pullman and Moscow. The expansion will connect all four communities, giving residents a fare-free option to access medical care, places of work and other basic necessities. COAST anticipates the route will be a tourism driver with the service providing additional transportation options to those who wish to patronize local businesses. Leaders of local economic development organizations, including Executive Director of the Colfax Chamber of Commerce Rachel Schad, attended the meeting to express their support for the route expansion. 

“The Chamber is proud to support this project as it becomes a reality for our community,” Schad said. “This shuttle service will make it easier for our residents to access essential services and strengthen the connections between Colfax, Pullman, and Moscow, adding more life and economic opportunity to our region.” 

Pursuant to the RCWs governing Washington ports, the Port of Whitman is authorized to engage in projects that promote economic development and tourism activity within the Port district.  

“When COA came to us about their need for match funding, we were eager to help,” Commission President Kristine Meyer said. “The route expansion will not only promote economic development, but it also provides a much-needed service to Whitman County residents. It’s a good fit for the Port.”  

About the Council on Aging and Human Services

The Council on Aging and Human Services (COA) is a private nonprofit organization. COA supports free senior meals, food banks, and other nutrition programs. COA also runs COAST Transportation, a free transportation network. COAST provides transportation to residents of Whitman, Asotin, Garfield and southern Spokane counties in Washington state as well as several counties in Idaho.  

About the Port of Whitman County 

The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities. For more information about Port properties and ongoing projects visit the Port website, www.portwhitman.com.