Port of Othello breaks ground for new water tower

OTHELLO — It took a few years, but Port of Othello commissioners broke ground on a second water reservoir on port property in Bruce Thursday morning. Port Commissioner Gary Weaver said the new reservoir will mean more business opportunities in the Othello area. 

“The main reason we really needed the water here is so we can expand,” Weaver said. “We're kind of locked here because of our water – we had to have more water storage in order to develop this. And it's a big deal for Othello, because this gives the opportunity to bring businesses here, not just little business, but businesses with good paying jobs (and) benefits.” 

The new water tower will be on the east side of Booker Road and will hold about 200,000 gallons. The port received a combination of a $3.75 million low-interest loan and a $1.25 million grant from the Community Economic Revitalization Board to pay for the project.

“For a small little port with a $1 million budget, it’s a pretty big undertaking,” said port Executive Director Chris Faix.  

It’s been a work in progress for a while – Weaver said port officials have been considering it for a decade. 

“We got serious about it about five years ago,” Faix said.  

Water was the missing link to developing the property on the west side of Booker Road, Faix said.  

The port has about 100 acres available now, Weaver said, with the potential to expand. 

“We have the water rights. We have the other water tower. We have two wells that are going to feed both (water towers),” Faix said. “We have plenty of land here to be developed.” 

The water tower also will improve firefighting capability, Faix said in an earlier interview. Fighting fires would’ve put a strain on the existing system, he said.  

The port’s job is economic development in Othello and Adams County, with its property in Bruce as an area of focus. Faix said the property is zoned light industrial. 

Most of its tenants are in agriculture-related businesses, but Weaver said other businesses would be welcome. Eastern Washington is becoming an option for businesses looking to expand, Weaver said, and port officials want those business owners to know Othello is an option.  

“We’re striving to get those businesses here,” Weaver said. “The port is here and we want them to come talk to us. The welcome sign is out.” 

The port has additional advantages, Faix said. 

“We have good power rates. We have plenty of water. There is some natural gas here. We want to expand Othello and Adams County and help it grow,” Faix said. “Anything we can do to bring jobs and people here to Othello. Our doors are open. Come see us.” 

    The new water tower will hold about 200,000 gallons.