PULLMAN – The Port of Whitman County is continuing with the process to rezone 88 acres on SW Old Wawawai Road in Pullman for an Industrial Research Park after private partner AgTech OS announced March 21 that it would seek an alternate location for its biofuel facility.

“We respect businesses’ decisions to locate and grow in ways that make sense for them and their employees,” said Port Executive Director Kara Riebold. “The role granted to us by the State of Washington and Whitman County voters is to support the economic vitality of our communities. There is a clear need for industrial space like this in our county; we’ve had two additional businesses approach us with an interest in locating at the campus. 

“We will continue to work with the City of Pullman and the residents of our county to evaluate this property as the proposed future site of a campus that blends seamlessly with the community while supporting local industries and supporting jobs and commerce in the Palouse.”

The Port intends to have a special Commission meeting later this month to continue discussing this process and any additional steps for the proposed campus. Visit www.portwhitman.com/agendas-and-minutes for Commission meeting dates, times, agendas, and virtual meeting information.

About the rezoning application

On March 2, the Port submitted its rezoning application for the proposed Agriculture Advancement Campus. The application requests classifications from the City of Pullman for Industrial Research Park and commercial zoning. You can view the application on the City’s website here.

The proposed rezoning is consistent with the City of Pullman’s Comprehensive Plan. This includes the City’s goals around land use, housing infrastructure and walkability, transportation, and parks and open space. Many of the land use goals focus on ensuring that new developments support livability, commerce, and employment, and create cohesive, livable neighborhoods—features that are incorporated into the Port’s proposed campus and rezoning application.

Learn more about the campus at www.portwhitman.com/ag-advancement-campus. Additional information about the City of Pullman’s Comprehensive Plan and rezoning process can be found at  www.pullman-wa.gov/government/departments/community_development/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.