Possiblities for PIP-West: Port signs contract for CAI consult

Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter | Apr 26, 20180

Port of Whitman commissioners signed a contract for consulting services with Community Attributes Inc., of Seattle April 19. The contract covers a scope of work over a six month timeline focused on building a strategic plan for the Port’s Pullman Industrial Park-West located on the corner of Pullman-Albion Road and Highway 27. The contract is for the first phase of work and cost is not to exceed $82,500 for 521 hours of work. Additional work or future phases will be considered.

The scope of work is broken down into four areas. The first is for CAI to review the Port’s existing conditions and profile, reviewing the role of the Port in the local economy and doing an assessment of the Port’s assets along with local economic trends and broader regional trends that affect the Port and Pullman. Part of this will include interviewing up to 12 regional stakeholders―representatives of local businesses and other knowledgeable parties―about the local economy and the Port’s challenges and opportunities.

The second point in the scope of work is for CAI to conduct workshops with Port commissioners and stakeholders The contract dictates up to six meetings over the six-month work, the kick-off meeting set for May in Seattle between Port staff and CAI. These workshops are expected to range from May to September with summaries and findings reported afterward.

The last point is for CAI to present economic opportunities and strategic priorities by synthesizing the data for discussion with Port commissioners. Part of that will be development of strategic priorities for PIP-West with a focus on opportunities for the Port to invest in the local economy and support job growth and retention.

All this shall accumulate into a strategic action plan for the Port’s PIP-West property including options and specific site strategies and actions. The final plan will also incorporate feedback and input from Port staff and commissioners.

Additional phasing is an option with the contract that would continue beyond the initial scope of work with extra dollar amounts affixed should commissioners decide to pursue further assessment, planning and development at PIP-West.

CAI was one of the consulting firms to present proposals to Port commissioners in February.

Port Executive Director Joe Poire recommended proceeding with the contract with CAI at the April 5 meeting after discussing the different firms with commissioners and reviewing costs.