Whitman County- The Whitman County Commissioners voted to award the Port of Whitman County $1 million of .09 funds for the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Scaling Facility project at the Pullman Industrial Park, bringing the committed funding total to $5 million.

.09 Funds are funds designated for the development of infrastructure or public facilities that further economic development in the county. The Technology Transfer and Commercialization Scaling Facility will diversify and grow Whitman County’s economy, aligning research efforts from the region’s two land grant universities with commercialization opportunities. The facility aims to provide a space for new and existing companies to develop new technologies and prepare those technologies for commercial use.

“Whitman County is pleased to partner with the Port of Whitman on this transformational project by committing $1M in .09 Economic Development funds over a three-year period for construction of the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Scaling Facility,” Whitman County Commissioner Tom Handy said. “We are excited to see the rest of the funding come together and have this important project move towards completion.”

In 2023, the Port conducted a feasibility study, which found that a commercialization facility would contribute to job growth and business retention in Pullman and the greater Whitman County area. In the first five years of its operation, businesses using the facility could create up to 100 new jobs in the area. Those jobs would generate an average wage of $37.73, roughly 27% higher than the county wage average.  

“The Port thanks the Whitman County Commissioners for recognizing the value of the Tech Transfer project and local leaders in Whitman County for supporting the funding of this project,” Port Commission President Kristine Meyer said. “The facility will contribute to economic growth in the county and be a boost for technological advancement in the region.”

The Port plans to build the Tech Transfer Facility on Port-owned land in the Pullman Industrial Park. Once completed, the facility will be available for lease, giving local companies a chance to scale their tech and allowing the Port to generate revenue through lease dollars. The Port projects the facility will be operational within two years of securing a full funding stack.   

###

About the Tech Transfer Facility

The Port of Whitman County plans to build, own and operate a Technology Transfer and Commercialization Facility on Port-owned land in the Pullman Industrial Park. The facility would support technological development and scaling efforts of early-stage bioengineering and energy technology companies. The facility will be funded through a variety of sources including local, state, and federal grants, investment by the Port, and other sources as necessary. 

About the Pullman Industrial Park

The Port of Whitman County created the Pullman Industrial Park in the 1980s. Located on Terre View Drive on the north end of Pullman, the park is adjacent to Washington State University and within a 20-minute drive of the University of Idaho. The 100-acre property is home to a diverse community of businesses in a variety of industries including technology and life sciences. 

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.