Legislators tour Wahluke Slope

DESERT AIRE - Mattawa area community leaders took state legislators on a bus tour to show off the Wahluke Slope and help those same legislators ascertain community need.

The tour was organized mainly by the Desert Aire community, which is in the process of modernizing its airport. Wayne Sahli, one of the Port of Mattawa commissioners, emceed the tour.

"There was a lot to see and a lot to be proud of," said Royal Register Publisher Tom Hinde, who made the tour.

Highlights of the tour included:

David Reeploeg, central Washington director for Sen. Maria Cantwell's office discussed bipartisan efforts underway for the Hanford National Historic Park. The park would help drive tourism in the area. Sen. Cantwell hopes the park's creation will be approved to honor Doc Hastings.

Dick Skogerson, commission chair for the Desert Aire Airport, and Cliff Naser, commission secretary, led the discussion concerning the three-phase improvements underway to expand the airport for larger planes, its tourism hub/ marketing value and ability to service more traffic in the future.

Larry Couch, President Desert Aire Owners Assn. walked everyone through the new Priest Rapids Recreation Area parking, camping and boat launch completed last May.

Butch Milbrandt, co-owner of Milbrandt Vineyards/Wahluke Wine Co. led the wine portion of the tour and discussed the company's start in 1997 as growers and its move to start a winery in 2005.

Milbrandt has about 1,000 acres in production on the Wahluke Slope with a total of about 8,000 acres in production from all owners. He said Grant County produces a good share of the state's grape crop.

West Mathison, President of Stemilt Growers, directed the apple growers portion of the tour. He said the Slope features excellent climate, water access, road/infrastructure and land sloping.

The area needs more labor, housing and infrastructure improvements to continue further business investment. He said Stemilt will add another 1,300 acres in the next five years.

Jim Eckenberg talked about hay/alfalfa. The company ships 120,000-150,000 tons exported to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Oregon and Washington export more than two million tons.

Del Christensen, potato and onion grower/packer led that portion of the tour. Aaron Chavez gave a short talk about the school district.

Bob Adler, Manager of the Port of Mattawa, led a tour of the port area - improvements and recent expansion. He also discussed past CERB and SIP funding and their vital role in growing the port.

All the presenters talked about the needs of the airport, particularly the ongoing runway reconstruction and widening project. They spoke about how they use it for guests and marketing trips for visitors and potential clients.