Kennewick Moves Toward Port Status
County officials certify petition for a new port district, paving the way for future Columbia River navigation and infrastructure growth.
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The petition, circulated several weeks ago, asking for the creation of a Kennewick Port District, has been checked by the county auditor and certified by him to the county commissioners as sufficient and in accordance with the state laws. October 7 has been set as the date upon which the commissioners will hear complaints and definitely determine the boundaries of the district. When this has been done a special election will be held on the same day as the general election, at which time three commissioners will be elected to handle the affairs of the district. The purpose for which the district is being created is to place Kennewick in a position to expeditiously carry forward river and harbor improvements whenever they become needed. After the district is created, these improvements can be made in the same manner in which street and other improvements are made in the local improvement districts of a city. At the present time there are no definite nor specific improvements contemplated, but the step is being taken to place Kennewick in a position to meet any demands of the river traffic after the Columbia has been opened to navigation.
“The purpose for which the district is being created is to place Kennewick in a position to expeditiously carry forward river and harbor improvements.”
The creation of Port districts was a foundational moment for Washington's inland economy, allowing public investment in infrastructure that persists today. While 1914 residents focused on steamboat traffic, modern Port of Kennewick developments continue to shape the city's waterfront and industrial landscape.
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