WHITMAN COUNTY – Two Whitman County census tracts were nominated by Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson for designation as Opportunity Zones. In May, the Port of Whitman County submitted two applications to the Washington State Department of Commerce for consideration. The nominated census tracts include portions of Pullman (Tract 53075000602) and areas in northern Whitman County (Tract 53075000900). The U.S. Department of the Treasury is expected to formally designate the two tracts by January 1, 2027.

Opportunity Zones encourage business development in rural and low-income communities by offering federal tax incentives to investors. Advantages include deferral on prior capital gains, partial reduction of taxable gains after multiyear holding periods, and potential elimination of tax on new gains after a 10 year investment. By drawing private investment into rural areas, Opportunity Zones are designed to stimulate business activity, support capital development, and create job opportunities.

“Opportunity Zones give rural communities in Whitman County a powerful tool to attract private investment,” said Port Commission President Karl Webber. “By offering federal tax incentives that encourage long-term capital commitments, these zones promote sustainable economic growth.”

The newly nominated Opportunity Zones encompass several Port projects in Tekoa, St. John, and Pullman. In Tekoa, construction is nearing completion at the Tekoa Mountain Business Park, where five shovel-ready lots will soon be available for tenant development. Cleanup continues at the Port’s St. John property. Upon completion of cleanup, the site will be transferred to Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics to support construction of a new medical clinic. In Pullman, the Port is advancing innovation and business growth through construction of its Technology Transfer & Commercialization Scaling Facility at the Pullman Industrial Park and expanding its industrial real estate portfolio with the acquisition of more than 100 acres on Airport Road. 

Designation of these two Opportunity Zones position Whitman County to compete more effectively for private capital. The incentives will enhance business recruitment, accelerate redevelopment activity, expand financing options for businesses, and bolster the Port’s commitment to creating jobs and supporting economic vitality across the region.

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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.