“Project Desert” would have brought about 200 jobs to the county with an average salary of $56,000, according to the Port of Chehalis
Two years of courting a biotech company in hopes it would move to the Port of Chehalis didn’t end with the desired outcome as the Phoenix-based business decided it would not relocate its operations.
The Lewis Economic Development Council and the Port of Chehalis worked together to bring the company to the area. Dubbed as “project desert,” the relocation of the company would have brought an estimated 234 jobs to the area as well as an investment of $30 million as a result of the project.
Matt Matayoshi, executive director of the EDC, said the business decided to remain situated because there were “too many moving parts” right now. The company, whose name has not been disclosed, is working to expand its operations by acquiring another company within the same industry.
“The silver lining is our community is ready to think outside of the box and will be going after sectors and industry we may not have right now,” Matayoshi said.
The Port of Chehalis invested money to make its Dawson Road site as ready for construction as possible for the company’s possible relocation to the area.
The work was funded by approximately $1 million allocated by the county in distressed counties funding — $200,000 of which was made available immediately, and $800,000 that would have been awarded if the port secured the company. The port was also awarded a $765,000 grant and loan package from the Community Economic Revitalization Board for the approximately $2 million on-site improvements needed.
Chehalis rose to the top of the list as a possible site for the company’s relocation, landing the Mint City as one of two finalists for the relocation.
Gov. Jay Inslee called the company personally, Centralia College was willing to provide programs to train employees and various other organizations were involved in the process.
The improvements at the Dawson Road site were made with the possibility in mind that Chehalis may not be selected as the company’s final location.
Previously, Randy Mueller, CEO of the port, told port commissioners that even if the company did not move to the area, the infrastructure project would make the site more appealing to other companies looking for property.
Mueller wasn't available for comment Friday.
