Business incubator proposed in Wilson Creek

Riley: 'Perfect match' for rural communities

WILSON CREEK — The movement to make the Basin a hub for alternative energy sources continues.

On the heels of the Port of Wilson Creek's December approval of a new building, Big Bend Economic Development Council Executive Director Bill Riley made a presentation to port commissioners Wednesday evening.

Riley proposed a business incubator building and biofuel plant to be located in Wilson Creek.

Riley said he wanted to make certain the commissioners are aware of funding available on the state and federal level for small businesses in rural communities to produce biofuels, creating jobs and add value to agricultural crops.

With Robert Sandoval, area representative for the state's Community Trade and Economic Development Department, explaining the state program, Riley covered the federal program in his presentation.

"Many people think the creation of biofuels requires millions of dollars and huge facilities, which is simply not true," Riley said prior to his presentation Wednesday. "We've been collaborating with Rep. Janea Holmquist, R-Moses Lake, with the idea on how the statewide effort on biofuels may be the perfect match for small rural communities in Washington state."

Riley has visited several "experimenters" producing biofuels out of restaurant cooking oils on their own property.

"These small facilities, (producing) under 10,000 gallons a year, are inexpensive to build and simple to operate," Riley said. "It's the perfect fit for a group of farms, small communities, etc."

The council has combined with engineer Ron Baker and North Columbia Community Action Council director Ken Sterner to form an alternative energy group, the non-profit Northwest Alternative Energy Cooperative, exploring possibilities in the Basin for wind energy, solar energy, biofuels and energy conservation.

Riley said the group hopes to put together a conference to occur in late April to share the information accumulated with interested parties.

Port commissioner Sheldon Ralston said Riley did a good job explaining the biofuel process, and Sandoval asked why commissioners would want to spend 100 percent of their money for a building when they wouldn't have to. Audience reception was favorable, Ralston said, and indicated that was a direction which should be explored.

Asked whether it was something the port would consider, Ralston said he would be willing, but would not speak for his fellow commissioners.

"The decisions rest with the ports, so we're not part of the decision making process," Riley said. although he said the port and the audience were very receptive. "We're part of offering solutions that may assist them in their decision making."