Whitman County- Today, the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) awarded a $1 million grant to the Port of Whitman County for construction at the Oakesdale Mill. The grant funds critical improvements to the mill including replacing the roof, stabilizing the building’s exterior, and extending water, sewer, and fiber utilities to the site.

The grant funding comes from the new CERB Rural Ports Program. The program aims to promote economic development in rural areas by funding infrastructure repair, improvement, and development projects at rural ports. 

“The Port is grateful to CERB for this award,” said Commission President Karl Webber. “As a rural port, we face unique funding challenges. This grant will allow the Port to begin preservation work on the Oakesdale Mill. The Port is proud to work in partnership with the Oakesdale community to preserve this historic landmark and encourage economic development.”

In 2025, the Port completed a feasibility study to explore future uses for the Oakesdale Mill. The Port heavily engaged with the public during the study conducting stakeholder interviews, advisory group meetings, a public open house, and a public survey. Throughout public outreach, community members expressed that historic preservation and economic viability were the two highest priorities in site development. While no future use has been determined, the planned construction ensures the mill does not fall into further disrepair and preserves it for the future. 

“The Town of Oakesdale is thrilled that restoration is starting on the mill,” Oakesdale Mayor Dennis Palmer said. “We are grateful to the Port for involving the community on day one and listening to the community’s wants and needs for the building.”

The Port acquired the Oakesdale Mill in 2024 when Innovia Foundation transferred ownership of the building. Innovia purchased the mill in early 2024 with support from the Oakesdale community and former Oakesdale resident Larry Stanley. Though Innovia no longer owns the mill, the foundation remains a key partner in Oakesdale’s community development through Oakesdale Heart and Soul—a local initiative engaging residents in shaping their community—and as a catalyst for philanthropy benefiting the region. 

“Innovia Foundation is deeply grateful to see the Oakesdale Mill restoration project move forward with this transformative $1 million investment from the Community Economic Revitalization Board,” said Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “As the first major investment in the project, this funding marks a critical milestone—ensuring the mill is preserved as a place that brings the community together while serving as a catalyst for long-term economic opportunity in Oakesdale.”

The planned projects mark the first phase of the Port’s preservation of the Oakesdale Mill. The Port anticipates construction will begin in August 2026 and be completed by the end of 2026. 

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About the Oakesdale Mill Project

The Oakesdale Mill is a 134-year-old historic flour mill located in the town of Oakesdale. It is the last of 19 original mills in Whitman County. In 2024, the Innovia Foundation transferred ownership of the mill to the Port of Whitman County. Given the due diligence required for a project of this magnitude, the Port anticipates it will be several years before the site will be fully developed. In the meantime, the Port is seeking funding support from multiple sources to make this project a success for the community and region. 

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.