COLFAX – Today, the Port of Whitman County Commissioners approved the Port’s 2025 budget after a discussion and public hearing. The budget outlines the Port’s expected revenues from its leases and tax levy, and its expenditures for operations, debt service, and capital investments to support economic vitality of Whitman County and the region.

“Our 2025 budget reflects our commitment to building stronger, more vibrant communities across Whitman County,” said Port Commission President Tom Kammerzell. “By investing in key projects to maintain and improve infrastructure and support economic development, we are improving the quality of life for residents while continuing our record of good public stewardship. This budget ensures we are meeting today’s needs and delivering on our mission to support a prosperous future for everyone in Whitman County.”

The Port anticipates a balanced budget in 2025, with $19.92 million in resources, including operating revenues, tax receipts, grants and debt proceeds, non-operating receipts and reserves, and $19.92 million in total uses and reserves, including expenses for operations, administration, nonoperating costs, capital investments, and debt and operating reserves.

Tax levy

The total tax levy in 2025, inclusive of new construction, is anticipated at $1.42 million. A home with a median value of $410,000 in the Port’s countywide district would on average pay $98.73 per year to the Port in taxes. The Commission has directed that tax dollars be used to fund capital projects. 

For every $1 of local tax levy, an estimated $8.56 are created by the businesses associated with the Port and reinvested into economic development efforts.

Capital projects

The Port expects to invest nearly $15 million in projects to further its pursuit of a Technology Transfer and Commercialization Scaling Facility in Pullman, improve access to high-speed internet across the county, and improve the Port of Whitman Business Air Center. The Port also plans to invest funds in the development of its newly acquired property near Tekoa, which it plans to develop for industrial tenants, and consider additional property acquisitions in Whitman County to continue supporting jobs and local and regional businesses.

The Port is also servicing debt for infrastructure projects including fire flow at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, rail at the ports of Wilma and Central Ferry, broadband, and road improvements at the Port of Wilma.

For more information on the Port’s 2025 budget and other key planning documents, visit www.portwhitman.com/port-planning. 

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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.