Port of Walla Walla People. Projects. Progress.
2026 NEWSLETTER
ROCKWOOL Breaks Ground
Century Pipe Opens in Dodd Road Industrial Park
Life Flight Opens New Base
Airport Manager Earns Statewide Recognition
Letter from the Commissioners Dear Friends and Neighbors, As we reflect on the past year, we are proud of the meaningful progress taking place across Walla Walla County, and deeply grateful for the partnerships that make it possible. From infrastructure milestones to new businesses breaking ground, the momentum we are seeing is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. Our mission at the Port of Walla Walla is straightforward: enhance the economic vitality of Walla Walla County by creating and retaining family-wage jobs, expanding the tax base, maintaining critical transportation infrastructure, and providing leadership that supports long-term quality of life throughout the county. Every project we undertake, large or small, flows from that mission and from our commitment to the people of this region. This past year brought several milestones worth celebrating. We were proud to participate in the groundbreaking of the ROCKWOOL manufacturing facility in Wallula, witness the completion and opening of Century Pipe, and see continued expansion of intermodal freight operations. The completion of the new Life Flight Network hangar and crew quarters at the airport was especially meaningful- a tangible investment in emergency services and community safety. These projects represent far more than buildings or infrastructure. They represent family-wage jobs, expanded economic opportunity, improved services, and a long-term commitment to this community’s future. The Port also continues to advocate for the completion of the final phase of the US 12 corridor between Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities. Reliable, multimodal transportation remains essential to our region’s agriculture, manufacturing, freight mobility, emergency services, and connectivity to the broader Pacific Northwest. We will continue to push for this critical investment on behalf of our residents and businesses. As your Port Commissioners, we are proud to support work that strengthens the economic foundation of Walla Walla County while preserving the quality of life that makes this place so special. We also recognize that none of this is accomplished alone. Strong partnerships with local governments, businesses, community organizations, state and federal agencies, and most importantly, the residents we serve, are the true engine behind every success. Thank you for your continued trust and support. It is an honor to serve this county, and we look forward to continuing this work together in the years ahead. Sincerely, The Port of Walla Walla Commissioners
Kip Kelly District 1
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| Port of Walla Walla • 2026
Amy Schwab District 2
Ron Dunning District 3
ROCKWOOL Breaks Ground at Wallula Gap Business Park The groundbreaking represents the culmination of years of planning, strategic site development, and infrastructure investment. Bringing a project of this scale to Wallula required close coordination among the Port, Walla Walla County, utility providers, state agencies, and numerous community and regional partners. That collaboration reflects the Port’s long-term commitment to developing industrial-ready sites that can attract major employers and support longterm economic growth.
On April 29, the Port of Walla Walla joined ROCKWOOL North America, elected officials, and community partners to celebrate a significant milestone for the region—the groundbreaking of a new advanced manufacturing facility at the Wallula Gap Business Park in Wallula, Washington. The $300 million facility will occupy 250 acres and will be ROCKWOOL’s first manufacturing plant in the western United States and its fifth in North America. For Walla Walla County, it represents one of the largest private industrial investments in recent history and marks another major milestone in the region’s continued economic growth. ROCKWOOL manufactures stone wool insulation from volcanic rock, producing durable, fire-resilient, and energyefficient building materials that are fully recyclable and help reduce carbon emissions over a building’s lifetime. The Wallula facility will feature the company’s proprietary electric melting technology, reflecting its commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing. Construction is now underway, with commercial production expected to begin in 2028.
The Wallula Gap Business Park was developed to provide businesses with the infrastructure and transportation connections they need to succeed, including direct access to U.S. Highway 12, the Union Pacific mainline, and the greater Tri-Cities market. Combined with available industrial land, those transportation assets continue to make the business park an attractive location for advanced manufacturing and industrial investment.
Rory Moss, ROCKWOOL Executive Vice President North America, speaks at groundbreaking event.
Once operational, the facility is expected to employ approximately 125 people in family-wage careers, providing a meaningful boost to the regional workforce. The economic benefits, however, begin well before production starts. Construction
is expected to support nearly 670 jobs while generating significant business opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and service providers throughout the region.
As construction moves toward the anticipated 2028 production launch, the Port looks forward to continuing its partnership with ROCKWOOL. The project demonstrates the value of long-term planning, strategic infrastructure investment, and strong public-private partnerships in creating new opportunities for businesses, workers, and the communities they serve.
WEDA Business Recruitment of the Year Award The Port of Walla Walla was also recognized by the Washington Economic Development Association with the Business Recruitment of the Year Award for efforts to recruit ROCKWOOL North America to the Wallula Gap Business Park. The recognition reflects years of preparation, partnership, and collaboration to position Walla Walla County for major economic development opportunities.
WEDA Vice Chair Mandy Wallner presents award to ROCKWOOL Public Affairs Manager Paul Espinoza, Meagan Blair from the Port of Walla Walla, ROCKWOOL Wallula Director of Operations Jørgen Amtoft.
Port of Walla Walla • 2026
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Century Pipe Begins Manufacturing in Burbank Photos by Kim Fetrow
A major addition to Walla Walla County’s manufacturing sector came online this year as Century Pipe LLC celebrated the opening of its new production facility at the Port of Walla Walla’s Dodd Road Industrial Park in Burbank. The new 53,000-square-foot facility represents a $30 million private investment and has created approximately 25 full-time jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, quality control, logistics, and administration. As Century Pipe’s first and only manufacturing plant, the facility operates around the clock, producing highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) pressure pipe for municipal infrastructure, agricultural irrigation, and industrial projects throughout the western United States and Canada. Century Pipe’s decision to locate in Walla Walla County reflects the advantages of the Port’s industrial business park, including shovelready property, multimodal transportation access, and proximity to key western markets. To support the project, the Port constructed a new rail spur to serve the facility, providing efficient rail access for inbound materials while strengthening the site’s long-term competitiveness. The facility further expands the growing manufacturing base in the Wallula area and demonstrates how strategic investments in infrastructure can attract private industry and create quality family-wage jobs. As demand for infrastructure materials continues to grow across the West, Century Pipe is well positioned to serve customers while contributing to the long-term economic vitality of Walla Walla County.
Rene Collin, Century Pipe President/Managing Partner, speaks to group during tour of facility.
Thank You for 30 Years of Service – Paul Gerola After three decades of dedicated service, the Port of Walla Walla extends its deepest gratitude to Paul Gerola as he begins a well-earned retirement. Throughout his tenure, Paul was a driving force behind many of the projects and infrastructure investments that continue to support economic growth across Walla Walla County. From the development of the Port’s industrial parks to critical utility and transportation improvements, he had a rare gift for turning vision into reality. He also brought a sharp analytical eye to the work, drawing on economic indicators, data, and regional trends to keep the Port’s efforts focused on the community’s long-term prosperity. Paul’s legacy, however, runs deeper than any single project. He will be remembered for his steady leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment to strengthening the community. His impact will be felt long after his retirement, and we are profoundly grateful for everything he gave to this community over the past 30 years. We wish him every happiness in the chapter ahead — especially more time with family and plenty of good days fishing. Thank you, Paul!
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The Next Generation at the Walla Walla Wine Incubators For more than 20 years, the Port of Walla Walla’s Wine Incubator Program has helped shape one of the region’s most recognizable industries. Located in the Port’s Airport District, the colorful incubator buildings have become a symbol of Walla Walla’s entrepreneurial spirit. Since opening in 2005, the program has helped launch 21 wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries, with 18 successfully graduating into permanent facilities throughout the Walla Walla Valley. The incubator program was born from a partnership between the Port of Walla Walla, Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture Program, the State of Washington, and leaders within the local wine industry. As graduates completed the program, many had the talent and ambition to start their own wineries but lacked access to suitable production space. Recognizing that need, the Port secured state funding to construct the first three incubator buildings, later expanding the program to five buildings.
Designed specifically for startup producers, each incubator includes production space, a barrel room, and a small tasting room, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on building their business rather than investing in costly facilities. Tenants may lease an incubator for up to six years before transitioning into permanent locations within the community. The program’s success can be seen throughout the Walla Walla Valley. Wellknown wineries such as Adamant Cellars, CAVU Cellars, Dillon Vineyards, Eternal Wines, Golden Ridge Cellars, Hoquetus Wine Company, Kontos Cellars, and SMAK Wines all began their journey in these modest buildings. Burwood Brewing and Shot in the Dark Distillery are two other beverage tenants that started in the incubator program before joining the graduated wineries and growing into established businesses that contribute to the local economy, tourism industry, and the valley’s internationally recognized wine reputation.
In the last 18 months, the Port has welcomed the newest class to the incubators: Arenness Cellars, August Forest, Mast Year Cider Collective, and Wandering Wolf Cellars. Each brings a unique vision and entrepreneurial spirit while continuing the tradition of innovation that has defined the program for more than two decades. Even after all these years, the incubator program continues to draw interest from other ports, economic development organizations, and communities looking to replicate its success. More than a collection of buildings, the incubators represent an investment in entrepreneurship, small business development, and long-term economic vitality. As businesses graduate into permanent facilities, they create jobs, expand the local tax base, attract visitors, and strengthen Walla Walla’s position as one of the nation’s premier wine regions. By investing in entrepreneurs today, the Port is helping ensure this signature industry continues to thrive for years to come.
WPPA Job Creator Award The Port of Walla Walla was honored to receive the Washington Public Ports Association Job Creator Award recognizing the long-term economic impact of the ROCKWOOL project in Wallula. The award highlights the importance of creating quality manufacturing jobs and investing in infrastructure that supports future industrial growth in rural communities. WPPA Executive Director Eric ffich presents award to Port of Walla Walla Executive Director Patrick Reay and Commissioners Ron Dunning, Amy Schwab, and Kip Kelly.
Port of Walla Walla • 2026
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New Life Flight Hangar
Expands Emergency Response Capacity at Walla Walla Regional Airport On April 13, Life Flight and the Port of Walla Walla celebrated the completion of a new Life Flight hangar at the Walla Walla Regional Airport with a ribbon cutting and open house. Project partners, stakeholders, and invited guests gathered to mark the occasion — recognizing the collaboration and shared commitment to community health, safety, and the long-term vitality of our region. The new $2.7 million, purpose-built facility provides a modern base for air medical helicopter services, with dedicated space for both the aircraft and flight crew and medical personnel who operate it. By housing the crew and helicopter together under one roof, the hangar eliminates critical delays in mobilization, getting the crew airborne faster when every minute matters most.
This project was made possible in part through Brownfields funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce, which supported the cleanup and removal of the former airport terminal, clearing the way for redevelopment of the site. The Port also secured a construction loan through the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), enabling the project to move forward. The Port of Walla Walla is proud to celebrate this significant investment in Photos by Greg Lehman public safety, emergency response, and regional healthcare access, and remains dedicated to developing infrastructure that strengthens emergency response capabilities and enhances quality of life for residents throughout southeastern Washington.
Inland Logistics Hub The Port of Walla Walla continues to strengthen transportation connections through the Inland Logistics Hub at the Dodd Road Industrial Park. The initiative enhances Walla Walla County’s role in Washington’s freight transportation network while improving the movement of agricultural products and manufactured goods to domestic and international markets. A major milestone this year was the execution of an Interlocal Agreement between the Port of Walla Walla, the Ports of Benton and Pasco, and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (Ports of Seattle and Tacoma). The agreement establishes a coordinated regional strategy to develop a network of inland freight facilities, Port of Walla Walla Executive Director Patrick Reay, Port of Tacoma Commissioner/NWSA Co-Chair Dick Marzano, Port of Seattle Commissioner/NWSA Co-Chair Ryan Calkins, expand freight capacity, improve supply chain resiliency, Cassie Losey from Port of Pasco, Port of Walla Walla Commissioner Kip Kelly, and Port of and strengthen Washington’s competitiveness in global trade. Pasco Commissioner Hans Engelke join for the signing of the interlocal agreement. As the only operational inland intermodal terminal within the partnership, the Tri-City Intermodal Terminal at the Port’s Dodd Road Industrial Park plays a central role in advancing these regional efforts. The Port is also moving forward with construction of a new container stack yard adjacent to the existing Tri-City Intermodal Terminal using state Capital Budget funding. The project will expand on-site container storage capacity, improve operational efficiency, and position the terminal to accommodate future growth as freight volumes increase. Together, these investments strengthen the region’s freight infrastructure, support business growth, and improve Southeast Washington’s connection to domestic and international markets.
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Dodd Rd
US 12 - Wallula to Nine Mile Hill Build New Highway (Phase 8)
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January 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded a historic $108.5 million grant under the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant ogram (Rural category) to Walla Walla County for the US 12 Phase 8 Corridor Completion Project. This significant investment marks a pivotal milestone in the ng-standing effort to modernize one of Eastern Washington’s most vital transportation corridors.
ating back to 1978, when leaders like State Senator Jeannette Hayner championed the expansion of US 12, this corridor has steadily evolved through multiple hases, with more than $309 million invested through 2019, primarily from state funds. In 2015, the Washington State Legislature allocated $22 million for Phase design and right-of-way acquisition through the Connecting Washington initiative. Now, with federal support in place, the region is poised to complete the final gment of this transformative project.
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he MPDG grant provides a significant investment towards the completion of the remaining portion of the corridor. While the $108.5 million federal ward represents major progress, a funding gap of approximately $218 million remains for full design, right-of-way, and construction completion. Securing is remaining investment is essential to realizing the corridor’s full potential and delivering its promised regional benefits. This funding will support the
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Key Highlights for US 12 Phase 8A • US 12 Phase 8A (West): Constructs a partial interchange at Attalia to support area economic development and improve safety. • US 12 Phase 8A (East): Constructs a 2-miles of new 4-lane divided highway, County Frontage road, and 2X Farm Access bridges. • US 12 Phase 8A (Route Preservation): Provides necessary route preservation of existing US 12 between Wallula and Attalia (5-lane miles of Roadway preservation and rehabilitates existing bridges to extend life of structures). • US 12 Phase 8A (Wallula Junction Safety Improvements): Improves safety by constructing intersection improvements at the Wallula Junction • US 12 Phase 8A (Turnback Improvements): Rehabilitates 15-lane miles, restores delination, and preserves multiple structures along existing US 12 between Wallula Junction and Nine Mile Hill to improve safety and extend life of roadway and structures.
The Port of Walla Walla and the U.S. Highway 12 Coalition remain committed to completing the final 10.6-mile section of four-lane U.S. Highway 12 between Nine Mile Hill and Attalia Road, near the entrance to the Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) facility. This critical freight corridor serves as the primary transportation link between Walla Walla, the Tri-Cities, and the national transportation network. To date, more than $162 million in federal, state, and local funding has been secured for this phase of the project, with additional construction funding still needed to complete the work. The Port continues to work with WSDOT, local governments, and state and federal partners to secure the remaining funding needed to improve safety, strengthen freight mobility, and support continued economic growth across the region.
nstruction of Phase 8A which will construct a partial interchange at Attalia to support area economic development, will convert a two-mile section of isting two-lane undivided highway into a modern four-lane divided freeway, and provides critical route preservation/safety improvements.
US 12- Clinton Street Interchange Project Planning continues for the proposed U.S. Highway 12/Clinton Street Interchange in Walla Walla. Since WSDOT restricted access in 2016 due to safety concerns, residents, employees, and agricultural operations north of Highway 12 have relied on alternate routes. The highway also remains a barrier for pedestrians and cyclists. A 2020 feasibility study identified a tight-diamond interchange as the preferred long-term solution. In 2024, the Port secured $6 million in federal funding for design, permitting, and right-of-way acquisition. Once constructed, the interchange will restore full access, improve connectivity, reduce local street traffic, and provide safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings.
Jennifer Skoglund Named WAMA Airport Manager of the Year The Washington Airport Management Association (WAMA) held its annual conference in Walla Walla this spring, bringing together airport professionals from across the state to share ideas and recognize excellence in aviation. During the conference, Port of Walla Walla Airport Manager Jennifer Skoglund was honored by her peers as the 2026 Airport Manager of the Year. Jennifer has worked for the Port of Walla Walla since 1999 and has led the Walla Walla Regional Airport through a period of remarkable growth and transformation. Under her leadership, the airport has completed significant improvements to the business park, airfield, and terminal; expanded commercial air service; strengthened general aviation operations; supported business development throughout the Airport District; and continued to enhance safety and customer service.
best practices across Washington. She also serves on the Visit Walla Walla Board of Directors, further demonstrating her commitment to promoting the region and supporting its economic vitality. This well-deserved recognition reflects Jennifer’s professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to aviation. Her vision and dedication have not only strengthened the Walla Walla Regional Airport but have also helped position it as one of Washington’s premier regional airports and a vital economic asset for Walla Walla County.
Beyond her work at the Port, Jennifer is an active leader within WAMA, currently serving as the association’s Treasurer and contributing to committees that help shape airport management and aviation
The Port of Walla Walla proudly congratulates Jennifer on this outstanding achievement and thanks her for her continued leadership and exceptional service to the Port and the community.
Port of Walla Walla • 2026
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ADMINISTRATION Patrick H. Reay
Executive Director
MAINTENANCE
Meagan Dee Blair
Cody Hahn
Karla Miller
Pat Grimm
Govt Affairs/ Community Outreach
Jay Hester
Economic Development Director
Jennifer Skoglund Airport Manager
Administrative Assistant
Maintenance
Brian Hurst
Maintenance
Maintenance & Operations Supervisor
Joe Keown
Auditor/Treasurer
Maintenance/Airport Security Coordinator
Darren Brinson
Nate Peterson Maintenance
Dave Druffel Maintenance
Michael Huston Maintenance
MISSION Working to enhance the economic vitality of Walla Walla County. Founded in 1952, the Port of Walla Walla is a municipal corporation responsible for fostering economic development throughout Walla Walla County. We measure our success in terms of our ability to: • Create and retain family wage jobs • Expand the region’s tax base • Maintain multi-modal transportation linkages • Provide leadership in enhancing Walla Walla County’s overall economic vitality and quality of life
PORT OF WALLA WALLA
45 Terminal Loop Rd, Suite 210 • Walla Walla, WA 99362 509-525-3100 • 509-525-3101 FAX www.portwallawalla.com • www.wallawallaairport.com
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| Port of Walla Walla • 2026