Colfax— On June 30, the Port of Whitman County finalized a land trade agreement at the Port of Whitman Business Air Center (POWBAC) with the locally owned Matark Corporation. The signing of the trade agreement saves taxpayers $2 million, providing approximately 10 usable acres for future development.

With existing industrial property at POWBAC fully leased, the Port hired an engineering firm to provide a cost estimate to develop the remaining Port owned acreage at the site. Rebel Flat Creek bisects the developed property and the port owned undeveloped property. The engineering firm estimated the cost of building a bridge over the creek at approximately $2 million. 

After receiving the cost estimate, the Port Commissioners directed staff to work with the Matark Corporation to develop a mutually beneficial land trade. As part of the trade, the Matark Corporation receives good, farmable land in exchange for land that the Port can access without building a costly bridge. The Port retains the same amount of usable acreage in the trade, approximately 10 acres. The only cost to the Port in the land trade was the closing fees. 

“The land trade at POWBAC grants the Port usable land,” Commission President Kristine Meyer said. “We can develop this land and provide more industrial space for local businesses. Industrial real estate is hard to come by in Whitman County. This land trade helps us to develop industrial real estate and provide spaces for local businesses to flourish.”

With the trade finalized, the Port will move forward with the expansion of the industrial park at the Port of Whitman Business Air Center, beginning with a plan to address zoning, infrastructure, and other development needs of the property. Port staff presents an application to fund this work to the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) mid-July.

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About the Port of Whitman Business Air Center

POWBAC is a Port- owned airport and industrial site located 3.5 miles southwest of Colfax. The airport serves both general aviation and ag pilots. The land that is not designated for aviation use serves private industries including value- added ag and hydrogen research.

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.