City of Connell receives $100,000 CERB Grant

for industrial, commercial viability study

following Lamb Weston closure

January 22, 2024

By: Katherine Trowbridge

The City of Connell was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to assess the readiness of the City’s industrial sites and explore opportunities for economic growth. Connell Mayor Lee Barrow and Port of Pasco Director of Economic Development & Marketing, Stephen McFadden, presented to the CERB board last week, hearing shortly after of the award. 

Their presentation focused on the need with the closure of Lamb Weston last October, amd the impacts of that closure. It also looked at infrastructure, the need for job opportunities, and where we go from here. 

“Our top priority is identifying opportunities that bring new, family-wage jobs to Connell, helping to offset the economic impacts of the Lamb Weston closure,” said Mayor Lee Barrow.

The City’s efforts are supported by strong partnerships with the Port of Pasco and Avista, both of which funded the grant match requirements. The Port of Pasco has further demonstrated its dedication to Connell by managing all aspects of the grant application process.

Port of Pasco Comission President Jean Ryckman stated, "CERB funding has been a successful tool to help bring jobs to rural communities like Connell and the Port is pleased to provide matching funds for the grant. We will be actively engaged throughout this study to identify and market industrial lands that can bring new business to Connell."

This funding will enable the City to conduct an in-depth evaluation of its industrial areas, develop a targeted marketing strategy, and identify potential micro-industries suitable for smaller sites. A key component of the project will be engaging citizens and stakeholders to gather input on preferred types of businesses and industries.

The industrial site readiness study will identify the top three land sites for development, develop preliminary cost estimates for improvements, confirm proximity to utilities/infrastructure, and review land use/environmental conditions. It will also collect workforce data/training options, confirm available housing supply, prepare  an economic development market analysis, and confirm if future industrial development is feasible.

Data will be used to promote our community for commerce and industry to consider locating here.

The hope is to get rolling within the next two months with the goal to complete the analysis by the end of 2025. The City of Connell shared that they are grateful to CERB for this vital funding and looks forward to creating a roadmap for sustainable economic development that benefits its residents and businesses.