COLFAX – The Port of Whitman County recently completed a feasibility study funded by the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to study a proposed technology transfer and commercialization scaling center at Pullman Industrial Park (PIP). The center would support the launch of innovative clean technology businesses spinning out of the region’s land grant universities.

A scaling facility is a building that allows researchers to conduct pilot-scale testing for new technologies. This building can provide a turnkey location for research advancing from the lab to a larger scale, which helps cutting-edge businesses demonstrate viability to investors and funders.

In May 2022, CERB awarded the Port a $50,000 grant to conduct a feasibility study of a Biological Systems and Mechanical and Materials Engineering Tech Transfer Building. The Port provided a $12,500 match.

During yesterday’s regular Port Commission meeting, the consultant hired to complete the feasibility study shared the results with the Commission. The study assessed similar cases in Washington state and the nation, and examined sources of demand, potential sites, and other factors that could affect design, construction, and operations of a scaling facility.

“The feasibility study demonstrated that there’s interest from researchers at public institutions and private entities alike, and a need for another facility like this in Washington state,” Executive Director Kara Riebold said. “There are researchers within our region that need a resource like this to test technologies at scale and to attract funding to gain a foothold in their markets, and from there grow and create jobs. We believe Whitman County is an excellent location to build this facility, allowing us to grow our local and regional businesses, create and sustain jobs, and provide economic vitality for our county and the region.”

Next steps

The Port is developing a funding approach for the proposal and sharing information with key interested parties, including the Pullman community, businesses in PIP, and potential scaling facility users. The Port anticipates dialing in its funding approach in spring 2024 and seeking state and federal grant dollars to support this job creation initiative.

About the Pullman Industrial Park

The Port created the Pullman Industrial Park, located on Terre View Drive on the north end of Pullman, in the 1980s. The park is home to a diverse community of technology, life sciences, and other businesses that together employ 2,800 workers. There are three building sites left at the industrial park. The scaling facility is proposed on a building site that encompasses three lots. The Port recently received a $2 million low-interest loan to support the expansion of Hunga Dunga Brewing Co., which will occupy a second site for its project. The last available site is a 1.5-acre lot adjacent to Hunga Dunga’s future location.

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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.