Port of Moses Lake approves '13 budget

MOSES LAKE- Port of Moses Lake commissioners unanimously approved a $6.2 million operating budget and a $9 million capital budget Monday.

The 2013 budget includes revenues of $6.2 million and operating expenses budgeted at $4 million, according to budget documents. Projected operating expenses for 2013 decreased one percent from 2012 operating expenses.

Net income for 2013 is estimated to be $2.2 million, which is a 1.3 percent decrease compared to net income in 2012, according to the port.

The $9 million capital budget includes federal and state grants as well as port revenues, which will be used for projects including expanding the wastewater treatment facility and funding facility upgrades, according to the port.

"The Port continues to invest in its infrastructure to create jobs in the Moses Lake community," Port Commission President Mike Conley said.

Major projects for 2013 include the replacement of a 70-year-old concrete ramp, which represents phase 2 of the Airport's East Apron Rehabilitation Project; upgrading the large hangars, including electrical, lighting and heating system improvements and the reconditioning of the aircraft wash rack.

Improvements to several port buildings are also funded under the 2013 budget.

Many of the planned 2013 projects are supporting businesses at the port. Port executive director Pat Jones said more than $1 million in capital improvement funds are going to upgrades at the Genie building on port property.

Another $1.5 million is slated for improving Hangar 1 at the airport, which benefits new tenant Aviation Technical Services, Jones said. The Everett-based aircraft maintenance and repair company is expanding its operations in Hangar 1 as improvements are completed.

All capital improvement projects slated for next year relate directly to generating and keeping jobs in Moses Lake, Jones said.