Port signs agreement for potential childcare site

COLFAX — The Port of Whitman County Commissioners authorized an earnest money agreement for a potential site for a new childcare facility on Thursday, Nov. 7.

The money agreement for property behind Colfax High School comes after months of community engagement to figure out analysis of the gaps and needs for childcare in Whitman County.

Included with the agreement is an 18-month due diligence period in which the Port will continue to explore the feasibility of the site.

“Families and employers continue to tell us how desperately they need quality childcare that is affordable and available here in Whitman County, and especially Colfax,” said Port Commission President Tom Kammerzell.

An assessment done in 2021 of childcare needs in the county showed that despite population growth of 4% between 2010 and 2019, the number of childcare providers decreased by 34%.

“Consistent with the Port’s mission and our role as Whitman County’s associate development organization, we are learning more, responding to the community’s needs and determining how best to support this as a workforce and quality-of-life issue,” said Kammerzell.

Currently Colfax has no services for children under the age of three and limited options for families with children between three and six years old.

The process is currently focused on the feasibility of a facility potentially supporting up to 42 children and would include options for classroom space and activity rooms, preschool and after-school care.

Other options include support for spaces for offices and kitchens.

The Port continues to work with consultant NAC Architecture and community with an anticipated completion in early 2025.