Ephrata port gets $1 million state loan

EPHRATA — The Port of Ephrata will receive a $1 million loan from the state Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to fund roadwork connected to the possible construction of the Washington Tire plant.

Ephrata Port Manager Mike Wren said on Monday the port wants to add an asphalt overlay on Airport Street in the area of Division Street.

He also mentioned a new intersection that’s being planned.

The area will be Washington Tire’s main route, as well as being in front of windmill supplier Katana.

The improvements will help the rest of the port, as they will combine with a current exit off state Route 282 to separate cars from the industrial area.

“It’s a huge issue for safety,” Wren noted.

If Washington Tire comes to Ephrata, it’s expected 820 workers would be hired by the third phase of the project, he said.

As compared to other awards recently approved by CERB, the port’s is the largest.

The other awards are as follows: $280,000 in loans and grants to the Republic Public Development Authority to rebuild a steel framed building and complete other improvements, a $17,500 grant to the City of Forks for an economic feasibility study and a $50,000 grant to the Lummi Indian Business Council for a feasibility study concerning the Lummi Shellfish Hatchery.

“The Community Economic Revitalization Board’s mission directly supports the creation of new jobs around the state,” stated Rogers Weed, CTED’s director. “These investments will have a positive economic impact on communities at a time when it is needed most.”