The state Legislature has included an additional $1.7 million for completion of infrastructure for the Centralia Station project, according to a Friday news release from the Port of Centralia.
The money comes as one part of the $17 billion "Move Ahead Washington" transportation budget passed on Thursday.
“The gap funding will help cover cost increases due to delays relating to the COVID-19 pandemic,” read the release.
Port of Centralia Commission President Kyle Markstrom said: “The port would like to thank the 20th district delegation for their support of the port's job creation efforts. We are truly fortunate to have the representation and advocacy our delegation brings to the table. We would like to especially thank Senator (John) Braun for his leadership and perseverance in seeing that this critical project is funded and completed."
First conceived in 2010, Centralia Station will include retail, commercial and light industrial businesses when complete. It will be located just south of Mellen Street on land that has been largely cleared of structures over the last several years. According to the release, it is projected to create over 500 permanent jobs, produce over $118 million in annual sales and generate over $7 million annually in state and local taxes.
Port of Centralia Executive Director Kyle Heaton said: “We appreciate this support as we move into the construction phase for Centralia Station. The port expects to bid the Yew Street extension very shortly with construction of a new interchange ramp to immediately follow once final Federal Agency review is complete. When completed, these improvements will allow for the port to move forward with an anchor tenant and begin the long-awaited site development process."
The port initially announced Fred Meyer as the planned anchor tenant. Later, WinCo was announced as the anchor.
Founded in 1986, the Port of Centralia operates two industrial parks and one planned mixed-use development that provide over 2,100 jobs to the local community. The port's over 30 tenants include Sierra Pacific Industries, Michael's, UNFI and Dick's Brewing Company.
