Port of Mattawa considers taking on new street project

MATTAWA — The Port of Mattawa is looking into the possibility of creating two new roads on the west side of town, between state Route 243 and Brian Avenue.

Lars Leland, executive director for the Port of Mattawa, said the road projects were the result of conversations with property owners, community members and potential business and housing clients, and would allow more development and new port buildings.

“The city of Mattawa is situated in a good spot for funding for new infrastructure,” Leland said. “So much so, the Port of Mattawa has been approached by other granting agencies wishing to fund this.”

The roads would connect Stevens Street to Second Street. Both roads are started, but do not intersect. The project also includes laying water and sewer pipes and electricity. It would cost $1.5 million total. Leland said the scope of the work could change over time, depending on the needs of the community. A timeline for completion depends on the plans by a development committee and financing needs.

Once paved, 13 parcels sitting on approximately 50 acres of land could be developed. Three and one-quarter acres of that land is owned by the port, which wants to use the land for a new bank and a new port headquarters. Leland said other property owners would like to build more housing to meet the ever growing need in the Mattawa area, too.

“The city is in need of more revenue to handle the area’s growth,” Leland said. “This development would lead to the creation of much needed homes, businesses and thus increase the city’s property and sales taxes for their operating budget.”

To study the road projects further, the port is developing a 12-member, community-based committee, the Stevens/Second Street Development Committee, which consists of three city council members, Sun Hwang, Brian Berghout and Wendy Lopez, and port officials.

“This committee will encompass not just the city, but also port personnel, property owners and other community members,” Leland said. “The purpose of this committee is for planning out the new loop and finding financing. A committee is important to truly develop a community collaborative consensus.”

The city of Mattawa is supporting the project, but will not financially contribute.

“They (Mattawa City Council) made a point that they are not going to financially support this project, but will support it in any other means they can,” Leland said.

But other entities have donated money to the project.

“As to date, the port has raised over $100K in private and public funds towards this project,” Leland said.