Port of Whitman acquires Tekoa property

COLFAX — The Port of Whitman County Commission completed its closure on a 14-acre property northwest of Tekoa on Friday, June 23, to transform it into an industrial leasing opportunity for tenants to bolster economic participation.

The land yields the opportunity for industrial real estate development. The opportunity broadens the Port’s reach in aiding its mission to foster county-wide economic growth, and they are encouraging conversations with local businesses seeking to expand into northwestern Whitman County.

Port of Whitman County Assistant Communications Director Patty Kieburtz stated that the Port invites local businesses to converse.

“There’s not necessarily a specific sector,” she said of the type of businesses that could be involved.

“With how agriculturally-focused a region that the county is, perhaps that is a sector,” she said, adding that there is no designated one at the moment.

Tekoa City Mayor Roy Schulz, stated that the land used to be the former Faunce Airstrip, and they are excited about the future development.

“It will be interesting to see how this project develops,” he said.

As part of the Port’s real estate transaction due diligence, they conducted a two-phase environmental site assessment (ESA) on the property before closing.

Investigations of the environmental impacts of the historical use of the property as an agricultural airstrip were in the first phase, and there is no current intent to make the airstrip usable.

The Port supports the City of Tekoa’s operations at the Willard Field Airport, northeast of Tekoa.

During the second phase, a minimal presence of hazardous substances within the site’s subsurface was located and investigated.

The Port will develop a plan to clean up the property’s topsoil to prepare the ground for safe development into a site-ready industrial real estate opportunity.

Port Commission President Karl Webber stated that the purchase catalyzes economic growth for the City of Tekoa and the port district.

“It represents the Port’s commitment to nurturing and expanding the vibrant economic landscape of the county and its communities,” he said.

The Port welcomes the acquired plot to its portfolio alongside Boyer Park and Marina, Port of Whitman Business Air Center, Pullman Industrial Park; and its three Snake River ports, including Almota, Central Ferry, and Wilma.

The acquired plot represents the continued efforts of the Port to strengthen economic growth in every corner of Whitman County and dedicates Tekoa as the newest platform of employment and economic sustainability, allowing opportunities for development in the city and surrounding areas.