Guest Commentary: 2019 Looks Bright for Port of Chehalis

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As 2018 comes to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to update you on what’s happening at the Port of Chehalis. The 15,000 residents of the port district are the owners of the port, and we’ve accomplished a lot on their behalf over the last 12 months.

First, we can report that our finances are sound. For the third straight year the revenue from the sale and leasing of properties has been enough to pay for all port staff salaries, preserving tax dollars for other important work in the community. Port facilities continue to be fully leased, so much so that we are now building our first new building in 20 years to meet the demand for new business space.

Second, we can report that our partnership in developing the county’s first professional coworking space has been a success. “Chehalis Coworks” is located in our downtown, and offers a state-of-the-art workplace for single professional workers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees to work. It’s been a smash hit with the users, and we couldn’t have done it without our project partners at the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team and Lewis County.

Third, we can report that big things are in the works at our brand new Maurin Road Industrial Site. We completed the earthwork on this multimillion-dollar project this fall and are now in negotiations with international firms looking to invest tens of millions of dollars into new facilities there. While these deals take years to complete and there is much work still to be done, the investment in this new infrastructure is already paying off.



Finally, this week kicks off the redevelopment study of the RE Bennett and Cascade school properties in Chehalis. With the construction of two new elementary schools making these ones obsolete, it is important to find new productive uses for the property. Together they represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Chehalis community to redevelop two whole city blocks of more than five acres of land in the heart of our city. The Port of Chehalis and the Chehalis School District are leading this effort to put together a well-balanced plan that meets the economic and social needs of the surrounding neighborhood and the city. If successful, the development could lift surrounding property values and revitalize the area with new jobs and residences. But much work remains to be done, and it will have to be a true public-private partnership if it is to be a success.

The Port of Chehalis prides ourselves on our openness, accessibility, and accountability to the public. We are your port, and we work hard for you as we develop projects that improve our community. Commissioners Mark Giffey, Ken Kostick, and Mark Anders are committed to improving the quality of life in the greater Chehalis area and that is reflected in everything we do. Please feel free to contact me anytime at rmueller@portofchehalis.com or 748-9365 with questions or comments.