Oakesdale Mill project receives grant

OAKESDALE — The Port of Whitman County awarded a $75,000 Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) grant to the Oakesdale Mill project.

The grant will fund a feasibility study assessing the suitability of the historic Oakesdale Flour Mill for development and explore potential future uses for the space.

Innovia Foundation purchased the mill in early 2024 with the intent of preserving it as part of the history and culture of the town and region with the support of the Oakesdale community.

Media and Community Outreach Manager Rebekah Huber said the Port signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Innovia Foundation, Thursday, Sept. 5, to transfer ownership but it is not finalized yet.

“The will Port will be purchasing the mill from Innovia and the community that that fundraised,” said Huber, noting that they are in the process.

The CERB funding will help the Port assess the building and property further.

“This CERB grant brings us one step closer to preserving the Oakesdale Mill and creating economic opportunities from this historical community asset,” Port Commission President Tom Kammerzell said.

The 134-year-old historic flour mill is located in the town of Oakesdale and is the last of 19 original mills in Whitman County.

“Innovia Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Port, the community of Oakesdale and generous donors to make this vital project a reality,” said Innovia Foundation CEO Shelly O’Quinn, noting the renovation will create economic opportunity for Oakesdale and all of Whitman County.

The Port is working to identify potential funding sources to transform it into an economic driver for the community.

Ideas for future uses include value-added agriculture, retail services, an event venue and co-working spaces.

Expected completion of the feasibility study is in 2025, with the Port anticipating taking several years before the site is fully developed.

The Port continues to seek funding from multiple sources to make the project a success for the community and region.

“We are grateful to the people of Oakesdale for their overwhelming support of the Oakesdale community and to the CERB Board for their investment in the Oakesdale Mill’s future,” said Kammerzell.

Huber said the Port is going to be at the Oakesdale Town Council meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, to give a presentation on the project.