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- Message from the Executive Director
- Q3 2025 at a Glance
- Commissioners' Corner
- Moses Lake Industries – From Pioneer to Global Semiconductor Industry Leader
- News from Around the Region
- Events
| | | Message from the Executive Director | | | | |
Welcome to our latest newsletter, where we celebrate the remarkable progress and exciting developments shaping the Port of Moses Lake community. In addition to important updates on infrastructure and transportation initiatives, you’ll read about one of our Port neighbors and customer, Moses Lake Industries. As one of our first industrial manufacturing companies to call the Port District and Moses Lake home, four decades later, they’re still contributing significantly to the local economy as well as innovation across the globe.
Since our last newsletter, the Port Commission and leadership have made considerable progress through dozens of meetings with public and private entities as we move ahead to provide power to the Greater Moses Lake area. Shortage of power generation is a challenge facing communities across the country today, but here at home, momentum is gaining in innovative and workable solutions. Director of Business Development Richard Hanover recently visited Japan (more on that below) not just to present at Aeromart and strengthen ties with our long-time economic partners there, but to also seek new technologies that may support or complement new energy generation in our region. Stay tuned to our newsletters and press releases for updates.
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In transportation, we saw some exciting developments in our railroad project with a right of way discussion culminating in a final land sale agreement. Now, the bidding for new rail construction is set to take place this fall, with construction expected to begin after the last frost in 2026. This is a significant development, and I cannot be more pleased with how everything is coming together for this initiative. You can refamiliarize with the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project scope here.
This coming November 2nd, the Port of Moses Lake will be recognizing a significant milestone – 60 years since Moses Lake community members approved the establishment of a Port District after Larson Air Force Base was deactivated in the mid 1960’s. To honor that anniversary, we are hosting a reception Thursday, November 13th, and you are cordially invited. Details below in our Events section. We otherwise encourage you to be on the lookout for the next Grant County Magazine, coming out later this month. Published by our economic development partners at Grant County EDC, we contributed a story about former Executive Director David Bailey and current Commissioner Kent Jones, both with incredibly unique vantage points on the Port’s remarkable six decades of advancements. We cannot thank them enough for their leadership and role in where our district is today.
Also, during this past quarter, we held a rewarding collaborative meeting with the City of Moses Lake. Port Commissioners and the Moses Lake City Council gathered to discuss port and city initiatives, plans, and challenges. It was also a meeting where efforts were either combined or divided to ensure the best use of time and resources. We are fortunate to have such great partners in the city working to align agendas and advocating our community’s interests together.
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In our manufacturing industry community, our hearty congratulations go to Sila Nanotechnologies, now operational. The first of its kind, it was an absolute honor to attend their grand opening event last month and marvel at how cleantech is taking shape here in the Port district. Congratulations, all, for an incredible job well done!
Another honor this past quarter was hosting our Annual Tennant Appreciation lunch in early August, with over one hundred guests in attendance. A great networking and catch-up opportunity for all, it was also rewarding to extend our gratitude to these companies for all they contribute to our economic landscape. The taco truck was a huge hit, too. You can see our list of tenants and partners at the Port here.
Lastly, I encourage you to view one of our new short videos, and available on our YouTube channel. The drone footage captures our industry sectors beautifully, and we hope the storyline fosters a sense of pride in shared economic development accomplishments.
| | | We will continue to forge ahead with determination, remaining dedicated to building on these milestones and accomplishments. As our next newsletter will be in January, we wish you ongoing successes in the months and next year ahead. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for the future of our district, and enjoy the rest of this newsletter and exciting announcements below. | | July 30th: The Port hosted a military training exercise represented by more than five squadrons. Airport Director, Rich Mueller, for his work in facilitating the onsite training, was presented with an honorary patch and squadron challenge coin. | | August 1st: Sometimes Mother Nature gives us quite a show at the Port. This photo garnered historical interaction on our Facebook page. | | August 5th: Annual Tennant Appreciation lunch at the Port of Moses Lake. | | August 8th: The Grant County International Airport is used to hosting Navy EA-18G Growlers, but we rarely get to see F/A-18C Hornets. These two USMC aircraft were here for training. The overhead break on arrival was absolutely spectacular. | | August 13th: We had the pleasure of hosting students from the Moses Lake, USA - Yonezawa, Japan Sister City Exchange Program. Since 1981, the sister cities have maintained this relationship, See the SourceOne news story. | | August 27th: Aeronautical engineering students from Chubu University in Nagoya, Japan, spent four days in Moses Lake visiting BBCC Aircraft Mechanic Training (AMT) and Flight Operations programs, as well as the Port. | | August 27th: Million Air, a valued long-time partner and tenant, has begun construction on a new hangar located on the Airport's West Terminal Apron. The restoration of this apron’s ramp and runway access was part of a Port capital project completed in the second quarter of 2025. | | August 28th: An Alia CX300 CTOL (conventional takeoff and landing) by Beta Technologies visited the Port. This electric air taxi is currently earning testing credits with the FAA for real-world flights while using exponentially less electrical power. | | September 2nd: Meeting between the City Of Moses Lake and the Port of Moses Lake, centered on economic development initiatives, infrastructure projects, and community planning. | | September 9th: The Port hosted Apple STEM Network leadership for a strategy meeting and facility tour. Engaging discussions, highlighting the importance of aligning educational curriculums with the evolving demands of our industry sectors. | | September 27th: Director of Business Development, Richard Hanover, visited Tokyo, Toyoyama, and Komaki, before heading to Nagoya for Aeromart, a flagship international aerospace industry event where he presented at the Conference. | | | Summary Update of Commision Activity at the Port of Moses Lake | | |
Budget and Planning
In July, the Washington State Auditor’s Office notified the Port of Moses Lake that it had successfully completed an audit of the municipality’s financial reporting for the 2023 calendar year.
The Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements (CSHI), has been completed and adopted. The CSHI is a foundational planning document required for all Washington port districts, even inland ports like ours without a harbor. The CSHI outlines our long-term vision for development and improvements, also outlines our long-term development goals, strategies, capital projects, and more. Read the Port of Moses Lake's CSHI here.
In September, the commission and leadership team attended an annual budget retreat. Discussing operating and capital budgets in preparation for 2026, the team adjourned with good takeaways regarding budgets, policy, and future planning. Staff is currently implementing suggestions in preparation for the final budget proposals to be submitted to the commission this fall.
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Business Development
Leaders hosted the Washington State Department of Commerce for an onsite facility tour in September, following attendance of Sila Nanotechnologies' grand opening. This in addition to meetings with various site selectors across industry sectors over the course of the quarter.
Airport Operations
At the end of July, Port Fire warmly welcomed new Fire Chief Jack Zeilenga. The Port of Moses Lake had the good fortune to have him here in the past as a firefighter and now has the great fortune of having him back as the Chief. Chief Zeilenga said, “I started my career at the Port of Moses Lake and plan to finish it at the Port of Moses Lake.”
Prior to his selection as Chief, Zeilenga was able to acquaint himself with the new tenants and users on the airfield as a part time Port firefighter. Airport Director Rich Mueller said, “The Port is fortunate to have Chief Jack; his years of local experience and solid relationships with our mutual aid partners will mean even clearer lines of communication should we have an emergency.”
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Port Leadership at a two-day budget retreat. | |
Engagement
Port leadership engaged with officials from Washington State, City of Moses Lake, Grant PUD, as well as international leads and potential partners to advance power initiatives to the Greater Moses Lake area.
Ongoing support for workforce development initiatives included participation with onsite youth groups and collaboration with education leaders.
More Commission Activity here.
| | Moses Lake Industries – From Pioneer to Global Semiconductor Industry Leader | | |
By: POML Staff Writer
Moses Lake Industries (MLI), founded over four decades ago by Tama Chemicals, is one of the first industrial boom manufacturing companies of the 1980’s to call the Port District home. Tama owner and founder Mr. Tsurahide Cho, was attracted by low-cost electricity, open space, and a ready workforce after learning about the region from an engineer he met abroad. Since then, MLI has grown to be immensely influential in the worldwide semiconductor ecosystem, creating a legacy that supports cutting-edge technology and growth, while nurturing the people and community behind its success.
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Brent Hansen, Chief Operating Officer of MLI, said, “We feel MLI takes care of a very important niche in semiconductor manufacturing in that these customers of ours, some of the largest corporations in the world, put MLI to work supplying some of their chemistries. Anytime (customers) come up with a challenge or they need some special formulation, the innovation and tenacity within the group of people out here is just remarkable.”
Technology and products
MLI supplies and specializes in critical high-purity chemicals used in semiconductor chip fabrication including tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), electroplating solutions copper and cobalt, and specialized polymers that influence flow characteristics. Brent explained their uses, “TMAH is used to clean and etch pathways on a wafer and it's also a developer used in photolithography. Copper and cobalt electroplating solutions fill in the voids and create the features and circuits for the electrical pathways on the semiconductor wafer.”
As semiconductor demand is projected to double by 2030 driven by AI advancements, MLI has invested substantially in Moses Lake as well as their plants in Arizona and China to meet the needs of their high-profile customers like TSMC, Intel, and Samsung. In Moses Lake, supported by major investments since 2019, including over 60,000 square feet of new facilities, MLI has expanded key areas like TMAH manufacturing, copper purification, and R&D labs. Infrastructure upgrades include advanced analytical equipment and bulk acid delivery systems. Future projects will boost specialty production capacity with new clean rooms and qualification processes, expected to be completed by mid-next year. Hansen said, “We're constantly improving, growing, developing. We're excited to bring this on.”
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Brent Hansen
Chief Operating Officer
Moses Lake Industries, holding a sample semiconductor wafer.
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That sense of family has since extended to multi-generational employees. Hansen said, “One employee, as an example, who’s been here for 30 years, his adult children working here now. It's really powerful to watch.”
Community Engagement
MLI’s dedication to community engagement runs deep. A large group photo, taken after the company paid for the purchase of “Malie,” a Grant County Sheriff’s Office K-9 deputy, as well as her bulletproof vest, proudly hangs in their main office, symbolizing the strong bond between MLI and the community. This act of support is just one of the many ways MLI has shown its commitment to the safety and welfare of the community. MLI is also an active supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of the Columbia Basin, Grant County Sheriff’s Office “Shop with a Cop” program, Moses Lake Food Bank, and Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. “You name it, we’re there supporting it,” Hansen said.
As MLI continues to forge new paths in the semiconductor supply chain, MLI will remain grounded in its core values of safety, family, and progress. Their journey, which began with a manufacturing vision shaped by regional strengths, has traversed decades of technological innovation and growth. The narrative of their journey is one of shared success, where every achievement contributes to a brighter, more sustainable future for the entire Moses Lake region.
Learn more about MLI: https://mlindustries.com/
| | Moses Lake Industries TMAH processing plant. | MLI CFO and family with Grant County Sheriff's Office K-9 deputies Zane Bundy and Malie. | | News From Around our Region | | |
Port of Moses Lake passes reporting audit
Columbia Basin Herald
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July 28, 2025 – The Port of Moses Lake recently passed an audit of the municipality’s financial reporting for the 2023 calendar year, according to a report from the Washington State Auditor’s Office.
The audit included reviews of annual reports required to be submitted to SAO under state law and corroborating financial information which was compared to third-party sources of the same information.
| | Photo courtesy: Columbia Basin Herald | | |
Samaritan Hospital opening scheduled for March 2026
Columbia Basin Herald
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September 30, 2025 – The projected opening day for the new Samaritan Hospital is about six months away.
“We expect that we would get the temporary certificate of occupancy Dec. 12,” said Samaritan Chief Executive Officer Theresa Sullivan. “And then the first patients March 7, 2026.”
Construction has reached the stage of painting walls, installing doors, finishing installing lights and starting to install equipment. Crews were putting together some of the imaging equipment Tuesday morning.
| | Photo courtesy: Columbia Basin Herald | | |
First-of-its-kind facility begins operations of advanced silicon anode material, closing America’s innovation-to-manufacturing gap.
Sila
| September 23, 2025 – Sila, a next-generation battery materials company, today announced that it has begun operations at Sila Moses Lake, its new automotive-scale silicon anode plant in Moses Lake, Washington. The team has begun testing and refining process recipes and the plant will soon begin producing initial batches of Titan Silicon™, Sila’s breakthrough Si/C silicon anode material for customer applications, including electric mobility, consumer electronics, drones, AR/VR, and satellites. | | Photo courtesy: Sila Nanotechnologies | | |
Big Bend Community College Nursing Program Ranked #1 in Washington
SourceOne News
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September 4, 2025 – Big Bend Community College’s Nursing School has been recognized as the top-ranked nursing program in Washington for 2025, according to RegisteredNursing.org’s 10th annual rankings.
The college’s Associate Degree in Nursing DTA/MRP program earned the distinction with a perfect 100% NCLEX pass rate across 2022, 2023, and 2024 — a track record that highlights both academic rigor and strong preparation for future healthcare professionals.
| | Photo courtesy: Big Bend Community College | | |
Samaritan Healthcare, WSU College of Medicine Awarded $750,000 Grant to Develop Rural Residency Program in Moses Lake
SourceOne news
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September 4, 2025 –Samaritan Healthcare, in partnership with Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, has been awarded a $750,000 federal grant to launch a Family Medicine Residency Program in Moses Lake.
The funding, provided through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Rural Residency Planning and Development Program, is aimed at addressing the shortage of physicians in rural communities.
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Jaguar Transport Holdings Acquires Columbia Basin, Central Washington Railroads
SourceOne News
| August 27, 2025 –Jaguar Transport Holdings, LLC announced Tuesday that it will begin operating the Columbia Basin Railroad (CBRW) and the Central Washington Railroad (CWA) on August 27, 2025, following the completion of its acquisition of the two short-line railroads. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) previously approved the transaction. | | Photo courtesy: Connell Interchange Coalition | | |
Big Bend loads up new ag mechanics certification
Columbia Basin Herald
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August 16, 2025 –Big Bend Community College announced the establishment of a new Agricultural Mechanics certification program, according to an announcement from the college.
“The launch of the Agricultural Mechanics certificate program is a direct response to the growing demand for skilled workers in our region’s ag industry,” said BBCC Dean of Workforce Education Michelle Morley via the announcement.
| | Photo courtesy: Big Bend Community College | | |
Amazon warehouse opening in Moses Lake
Columbia Basin Herald
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August 12, 2025 –Amazon has opened a warehouse at 5451 North Owens Road in Moses Lake and is currently hiring.
“We’re excited to serve the Moses Lake community and provide customers with fast, safe, and reliable delivery,” said Matthew Gardea, an Amazon spokesperson.
| | Photo courtesy: Columbia Basin Herald | | |
LKQ Set to Build $26.4M Auto Parts Facility in Moses Lake
SourceOne News
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July 17, 2025 –LKQ Corporation is moving ahead with plans to build a massive 182,000-square-foot warehouse and vehicle recycling facility in Moses Lake, backed by a newly issued city building permit and a renewed state environmental construction permit.
The $26.4 million project, located at 9422 NE Tyndall Road in the city’s industrial growth area near Grant County International Airport, is among the largest commercial developments in Moses Lake history. The facility will serve as a major logistics hub for LKQ, a Fortune 500 distributor of recycled and aftermarket auto parts.
| | | | | Port of Moses Lake's 60th Anniversary Celebration | |
Thursday, November 13, 2025
5:00-6:30PM
Port of Moses Lake
Grant County International Airport Terminal
7810 Andrews N.E
Moses Lake, WA 98837
Short program starts at 5:30 | light hors d'oeuvres | historic memorabilia.
Please RSVP to Bonnie Petersen / 1 509 762-5363
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