At industrial park: Port pledges wetland project funds

The Port of Whitman has agreed to help fund a Palouse Conservation District project to enhance the wetland areas around its Innovation Partnership Zone building in Pullman.

Port commissioners last Thursday, Jan. 7, agreed to commit $20,000 per year for each of the next two years to match grant funding sought by the conservation district.

The conservation district proposes to dig deeper contours into the existing areas to the west and the north of the building. The port installed a 150-yard interpretive path with an informational kiosk in the area as part of its innovation zone grant.

Debbie Snell, port facilities manager, told port commissioners at the meeting that director Joe Poire had been advised to grant the district’s request because it would buy the port good will and fits the environmental stewardship portion of the innovation zone grant.

The port in 2007 was awarded a $1 million state grant to establish the zone. The goal of the zone is to connect university research with private industry to spur new businesses.

The port’s zone focused on developing businesses that would focus on using alternative energy and architecture for information technology companies.

The conservation district has applied for a grant from the Nature Restoration Trust.

Port funding would be contingent on an award of a grant to the district.

The goal of the expansion of the wetland area is to improve water penetration and stormwater containment in the industrial park. It would also provide habitat for a number of wildlife species.

The conservation district would plant the vegetation and would be responsible for weed maintenance.