Whitman County- Today, after a public hearing and discussion, the Port of Whitman County adopted the 2026 Budget, the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, and the 2026 Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements.

2026 Budget

The Port approved a balanced budget, with $21.63 million in both projected resources and planned uses. Resources include operating revenues, tax receipts, grant and debt proceeds, non-operating receipts, and reserves. Uses include expenses for operations, administration, capital investments, debt service, and reserves.

“The Port is committed to the right stewardship of Whitman County tax dollars,” said Commission President Kristine Meyer. “By investing in projects that improve infrastructure and provide economic opportunity on the Palouse, the Port seeks to improve the quality of life for all Whitman County citizens. The 2026 Budget ensures the Port meets the County’s current needs while planning for the future.”

The 2026 tax levy, inclusive of new construction, is anticipated at $1.44 million. For a home valued at $410,000, this equates to approximately $89.20 in annual Port taxes. Tax revenue funds the Port’s capital projects as directed by the Commission. For every $1 in taxes collected, an estimated $8.56 in economic activity is generated by businesses associated with the Port.

The Port plans to invest approximately $16.5 million in capital projects, including:

• Improvements to the Oakesdale Mill and Port of Whitman Business Air Center (POWBAC)
• Development of an industrial park at the Tekoa property
• Construction of the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Center at the Pullman Industrial Park
• Environmental cleanup at the St. John site

The Port will also consider additional property acquisitions to support economic development.

The Port is also servicing debt for infrastructure projects such as:

• Fire flow improvements at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport
• Rail and road upgrades at Wilma and Central Ferry
• Construction and improvements at Tekoa and POWBAC
• County-wide broadband expansion

To view the 2026 Budget, go to portwhitman.com/port-planning.

2026 Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements & 2026-2030 Strategic Plan

Pursuant to RCW 53.20.010, the Port is obligated, at least every five years, to adopt a Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements that details all projected capital expenditures. This planning cycle, the Port decided to incorporate the adoption of a new scheme into its annual budget process, allowing for more accurate listing of capital project expenditures.

Though not required by RCW, the Port has historically adopted a new strategic plan every five years. This practice helps keep the public informed about the Port’s projected actions and long-term goals. Regular updates ensure the plan reflects current priorities and provides the most accurate information available. Highlights of the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan include a Port history timeline, detailed Port property information, and the Port’s strategic priorities for the next five years.

“Planning is a cornerstone of the Port’s activities. It ensures the public is aware of the Port’s intended course of action over the next five years,” Commission President Kristine Meyer said. “The Port Commission is excited about the plans outlined in these documents, and we look forward to seeing them executed.”

Though the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and the 2026 Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements are technically separate documents, the 2026 Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements will appear at the end of the strategic plan with each scheme for the subsequent years added to the document. To view the documents, visit portwhitman.com/port-planning.

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About the Port of Whitman County

The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Whitman County through industrial real estate development, preservation of multi-modal transportation, facilitation of economic development and provision of on-water recreational opportunities. For more information about Port properties and ongoing projects visit the Port website, www.portwhitman.com.