By Karen Robes Meeks
Five special projects recently received the go-ahead from the Port of Olympia Commission. Funding was allocated to the following initiatives:
• $75,000 in matching funds to finish a master plan for the SW Washington Innovation and Business Park in Tenino;
• $15,000 in matching funds was allocated toward a feasibility study for frozen food processing, done in partnership with Washington State University (WSU) Extension;
• $10,500 in matching funds went to a WSU Extension-led grain mill feasibility study and a grain varietal plot testing to see what grains can best adapt to the region’s climate;
• $25,000 in matching funds for improvements to the former East Bay Trail and North Point Park, which will be renamed the Billy Frank Jr. Trail and Park, and
• Funding (amount yet to be determined) for a visioning process that will invite community input on the future of the port.
