PORT TOWNSEND — The Port of Port Townsend has received a federal grant to explore development of an ecologically friendly industrial park at Jefferson County International Airport.
The $56,000 grant awarded by the federal Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration on Friday must be matched by the port.
Finding the matching funds could be an obstacle, said Jim Pivarnik, port deputy director.
“These are lean times,” he said.
Nevertheless, the award announcement was good news.
“This has been in the works for two and a half years, and we are glad that the feds have stepped up,” said Jim Pivarnik, port deputy director.
“This will be a great thing for the city, and the location is a perfect place for a light industrial park.”
The grant provides half the money needed for a feasibility study of potential benefits of the proposed park. The study is estimated to cost $112,000.
Environmentally sensitive
Pivarnik said those who located in the park would be “environmentally sensitive,” although they would not necessarily manufacture projects that qualify as “green.”
He said the construction of the park would incorporate the latest environmentally friendly technology, including pervious surfaces.
It also would have the water and power infrastructure to support light manufacturing.
Pivarnik said nearby Glen Cove has been touted as a quality site for industry, but its size is restrictive.
“Glen Cove isn’t large enough to build a 20,000-square-foot building,” Pivarnik said.
“Our site is a blank canvas.”
The Jefferson County commissioners removed an obstacle to the construction of the industrial park when it rezoned the property Dec. 7 to allow for a fire station and building space for eight to 10 light industrial businesses.
At the time, the commissioners said it would create at least 100 new jobs.
Pivarnik said the matter most likely would be addressed at the next port commissioners’ meeting, scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 375 Hudson St., Port Townsend.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
