Port of Whitman County applies for rezoning

PULLMAN —The Port of Whitman County applied for a rezone on Thursday, March 2, for a proposed Agriculture Advancement Campus in Pullman.

The City of Pullman Community Development Department has reviewed the Port of Whitman County’s proposed rezoning application, and has asked that the Port supply more information.

The Port’s request is a reclassification of approximately 84 acres near U.S. 195, and Old Wawawai Road to Industrial Research Park (IRP) and commercial zoning.

This change in zone application indicates no site-specific uses, and if a biodiesel facility were to be proposed, IRP zoning designation requires a conditional use permit to be approved by the hearing examiner.

The City requested that the Port supply a traffic study, noise study, and a supplemental State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) before the rezone application process can continue.

“We have supplemental questions submitted, and a noise study that’s being conducted,” Port of Whitman Executive Director, Kara Riebold said, adding that on the Port of Whitman County website they’ve updated the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) with additional information.

A press release from Thursday, March 9, states that the traffic study has already been received and is currently under review by city staff. There is no deadline for the Port to provide the remaining items.

Additional information can be requested once the materials are submitted. There will also be a public notice posted at the location and online at http://www.pullman-wa.gov once the city staff can confirm a complete application, which will start a 14-day public comment period.

The community will be informed of opportunities to participate at each state of the application process by the city.