Centralia is at a critical crossroads.
The decisions made over the next two years will shape the next two decades for our town and its residents.
On one side, some wish to freeze Centralia in time — seeking zero changes, traffic or inconveniences.
On the other side, the Port of Centralia and Logistics Property Company, a committed developer, favor managed growth to broaden our business and municipal tax base.
While both sides have their merits, only one offers a viable future. The zero-growth mindset ignores the harsh reality of municipal economics. Cities cannot simply “stand pat” and maintain the status quo; they either grow or retract.
In the late 1980s and 1990s, Lewis County suffered from a severe job shortage, driving our unemployment rate to double the state average. We no longer face that crisis, and the primary driver of our recovery has been the thoughtful growth of our port and regional businesses.
The immediate debate centers on whether to allow distribution centers at the port, which would significantly broaden our tax base but potentially impact traffic. In response to these plans, the Centralia City Council placed a moratorium on distribution centers, citing two primary concerns: the lower pay of warehouse jobs compared to manufacturing, and traffic.
First, regarding jobs: Manufacturing positions are fleeing Washington at an alarming rate due to state-level regulations, inventory taxes and payroll taxes. Until the state Legislature relaxes these burdens, manufacturing will remain scarce. Distribution centers provide a reliable alternative.
Furthermore, LPC has presented a thorough plan that includes traffic mitigation, greenspaces and public access areas.
Second, let’s address the traffic issue, which the opposition often uses as a trump card. I drive past Port of Centralia Park One at least three times a day at various times. The longest it has ever taken me to get from Galvin Road to I-5 was 12 minutes — and that occurred during peak middle and high school dismissal hours.
While negotiating Harrison Avenue takes longer than it did 20 years ago, the increase is not severe enough to halt all growth just to accommodate the convenience of a vocal few. The WSDOT traffic study offers a clear, simple solution: programmable traffic signals.
According to the study, these smart signals will resolve most peak traffic issues for years to come. A public- private partnership to fund and implement these signals is the ideal way forward.
This approach will ensure healthy economic growth and expand our local economy while minimizing disruptions to daily traffic.
Kirk Parnham
Centralia
