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- Message from the Executive Director
- Q4 2025 at a Glance
- Commissioners' Corner
- Empowering Eastern Washington: Transformative Solutions for Our Energy and Water Shortages
- News from Around the Region
- Events - Moses Lake Airshow June 12th and 13th
| | | Message from the Executive Director | | | | |
The last quarter of 2025 saw the unveiling of exciting plans for our district and some incredible milestones achieved. It was also a time of celebrations and surprising, heartwarming moments. Each was a win for our community, and quite the momentum we've built for this year!
In December we shared our plans to seek more power for the district and more recently, we began discussing our goals for increasing the available water capacity in our area. You can find more details in our power press release here and learn about these initiatives in the story by our Director of Business Development, Richard Hanover, below. Our infrastructure plans are bold, innovative, and intended to not only provide essential resources to our region, but to create a new foundation for the next generation of economic growth and keep our region a hub of activity and innovation.
Congratulations are in order for two notable companies in the Port District: Stoke Space Technologies, a tenant, and Sila Nanotechnologies. In October, Stoke announced they secured $510 million in funding to support the production of their Nova Launch vehicle, their reusable rocket in development here at the Port. You can read more about it in the Columbia Basin Herald, featuring a meaningful quote from their Operations Director regarding the advantages of testing in Moses Lake. Meanwhile, Sila announced the commissioning and commencement of production, marking a significant milestone for the Titan Silicon manufacturer and their team in Moses Lake. Check out their story here, and once again, congratulations to both companies!
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In workforce development, we were honored to attend NCW Tech Alliance’s Innovator Awards Ceremony as a sponsor in early November. Hosted by NCW Tech Alliance’s CEO, Dr. Sue Kane, whom we’ve featured twice in our newsletter, the event was full of inspirational examples of our region’s workforce development successes. Since then, Dr. Kane has been appointed to the Washington State Board of Education by Governor Bob Ferguson. We could not be prouder, nor more excited, at the broader positive impact Dr. Kane will have now.
In November, we celebrated a significant milestone - the Port of Moses Lake’s 60th anniversary. It was an honor to host over one hundred attendees from across the district, as we paid homage to leaders before us, including Mr. Clyde Owen and Mr. David Bailey, both former Executive Directors. Mr. Bailey was the most anticipated speaker of the evening and didn’t disappoint us with his memories and thoughtful reflections on six decades of service. You'll see his photo below.
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The fourth quarter included events honoring veterans from the Larson Air Force era. In December, an anonymous donor sent flowers to “First Lieutenant Anthony Cannizzaro,” a victim of the 1952 Globemaster crash here. USAF veterans Rich Mueller (Port Airport Director) and Mark Bonaudi (General Manager of Port tenant, Million Air) presented the flowers at the memorial we have on site. Since we didn’t know whom to thank nor share photos with, we posted this on social media, and local news picked up the story. It wasn’t long before a neighbor of Lt. Cannizzaro’s daughter, living on the other side of the country, saw the story and connected us. A truly moving chain of events that not only honored Lt. Cannizzaro's memory but reminded us of the enduring connections that bind us over distance and time.
Also in December, a chance encounter redirected everyone’s day for the best reasons when a former pilot, Mr. George Andre, came into our airport terminal to look at memorabilia. Rich Mueller struck up a conversation with him to learn that Mr. Andre had been stationed here in the 1950s as an F-86 Sabre jet pilot with the 322nd Fighter Squadron. Of course, we took him out on a tour and drove him down our 13,503-foot runway, one of the longest in the country, and Mr. Andre said he remembered when it was only 10,000 feet long. Our FAA control tower turned the lights on for him, too, and you can see it in this touching video we posted to our Facebook page. We can’t thank Mr. Andre enough for his service to our country, our region, and his later contributions to aviation in his civilian career as a test pilot. Most of all, we can’t thank him enough for just stopping by.
And finally, it’s never too early to start promoting our Moses Lake Airshow, taking place on Friday, June 12th, and Saturday, June 13th at the Port of Moses Lake. As a proud major sponsor, we are thrilled to host this event again, and we have an amazing new benefit for our attendees: Friday is free for everyone, while kids get in free on Saturday. With an incredible lineup planned, this year’s event promises to also feature live music and even more engaging ground activities. For more information, visit: moseslakeairshow.com.
We’re really looking forward to 2026, filled with optimism and excitement for the possibilities ahead thanks in great part to the efforts of our partners and community members who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. We invite you to read these stories that highlight the dynamics of our district, as we welcome and wish you a year filled with growth, collaboration, and more meaningful connections.
| | Airport Director, Rich Mueller, and Million Air General Manager, Mark Bonaudi, both U.S Army veterans, salute First Lieutenant Anthony Cannizzaro as flowers are placed below his name on the Globemaster Memorial. Read more. | Mr. George Andre. Read his amazing story here. | | December 12th: Airport Director, Rich Mueller, had the privilege of taking a break to lend a hand with the Civil Air Patrol Washington Wing's “Wreaths Across America” project. These beautiful wreaths were later laid with respect on veterans' graves in cemeteries around our region. | | December 10th: We had a great time at our annual Christmas luncheon! Commissioners Darrin Jackson, Kent Jones, and Stroud Kunkle, along with Executive Director Dan Roach, shared their gratitude for another successful year at the Port. We also engaged in team (and timed) gingerbread house decorating - competitive as it was sticky. | | December 9th: Port of Moses Lake and Boeing in Washington hosted Grant County Homeschoolers, exploring the Grant County International Airport! They took a ride down the runways, visited an AeroTEC hangar containing a Boeing 777-9 and an enthusiastic flight test team, toured the Port Fire station, and got to see some fire truck hydro-technics! | | December 8th: Busy day at the Grant County International Airport – we had KC-135’s from our friends over at Fairchild AFB, a C-17 from McCord AFB, as well as a couple of Whidbey Island NAS Growlers. #SoundofFreedom and music to our ears. | | December 3rd: Thanks to James Hansen, Million Air MWH for this incredible photo of runway lights provided by Aurora Borealis. We truly have the best night views in the business! | | November 21st: Ahead of this Boeing 777-9's performance at the Dubai Airshow, Moses Lake residents got to watch the practice runs here from home. Notable mention: Fifty seconds in - you can see our region out the windows and cockpit. Thank you, Boeing in Washington, for choosing our region! | | November 17th: Celebrating 60 years of service! Over one hundred guests explored an extensive collection of memorabilia as we played historical video interviews of Larson Air Force Base’s last commander and first Port Executive Director, Clyde Owen. The highlight of the evening was hearing from retired Executive Director, Mr. David Bailey, who shared stories from his time leading the Port. See our photos and story on our Facebook or Linked pages. | | |
November 10th: What an honor it was to sponsor and attend NCW Tech Alliance's 24th Annual Innovator Awards Luncheon in Wenatchee. The Port was pleased to present the award to STEM Champion of the year, with two of the three candidates from Moses Lake – AeroTEC and Linda Groce, Sr. Associate Professor of chemistry– Big Bend Community College. Winner: Linda Groce. Read the CBH story here.
| | October 27th: We had a great time at the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce's 84th Annual Meeting & Ag Hall of Fame event. Held at the Grant County Fairgrounds, the highlight of the evening was learning about the two new inductees into the Ag Hall of Fame. What an honor it was to witness and congratulate winners Sid and Debbi Sackmann and Representative Tom Dent! | | Summary Update of Commision Activity at the Port of Moses Lake | | |
Rail Improvements
On October 13th, the port achieved a significant milestone by acquiring the final pieces of property necessary for the rail project, with the Port Commission authorizing the Possession and Use agreement for three parcels, totaling $1,231,850.00. Plans are to lay track later this year. December also saw the approval of a settlement for two additional parcels in the amount of $237,500.00, marking the last property to now go out for bid.
Capital Projects
The 2026 capital plan projects spending to be approximately $2.86 million less than in 2025. The primary focus for 2026 will be our military training facility, a significant multi-phased project requiring updates to support training exercises for all military branches. Port officials have secured a $1.2 million loan from the Community Aviation Revitalization Board to fund half of the estimated $2.7 million total cost, with construction expected to commence in the spring of 2026. Initial efforts will focus on establishing the building, with subsequent phases advancing as more funding becomes available.
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Budget and Planning/Capital Dollars
The Port's 2026 Capital Budget was adopted by the Port Commission. A Washington State Audit found no deficiencies for 2024. See the final report here.
Infrastructure
Port leadership continued discussions with legislators, (Olympia and Washington D.C.) and regionally elected officials regarding energy and water initiatives. An MOU with the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District has been approved by the Port Commission, facilitating collaborative efforts in water management.
Engagement
Port leadership hosted an event celebrating the port’s 60th anniversary, and attended events including the AWB Energy Summit and D.C. fly-in, NCW Tech Alliance Innovator Awards ceremony, Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, and Grant EDC LEAD Summit. Leadership also met with the Columbia Basin Development League, and state and federally elected officials.
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Port of Moses Lake 60th Anniversary Celebration | |
Airport Operations
Workforce development initiatives continued including hosting a booth at an NW Tech Alliance event, and weather classes to students in the Moses Lake School District. An Interlocal Agreement was authorized by the commissioners to allow the Port's Fire Department equipment to be used at Moses Lake Municipal Airport.
| Read full commission meeting minutes here | | Empowering Eastern Washington: Transformative Solutions for Our Energy and Water Shortages | | |
By: Richard Hanover, Director of Business Development
Here at home, and across the nation, we find ourselves at a critical juncture characterized by rapid industrialization and urbanization with aging infrastructure. Addressing the necessary strategies to increase power and water capacity, identifying responsible parties, and determining funding sources have contributed to a state of stagnation affecting not just economic growth but daily life.
The energy shortage has emerged as a matter of national security, underscoring the necessity for self-sufficiency, and water availability (or lack thereof) poses a significant challenge that can impact everything from public health to economic vitality. Recognizing these critical needs, the Port and partners are leveraging innovative new ways to create a more robust infrastructure framework that not only addresses our immediate needs but also future demands. Our plan will not fall back on the tax or rate payers for funding. It’s an unconventional approach.
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Richard Hanover
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The IDD
Back in June of last year, Port of Moses Lake commissioners unanimously approved the establishment of an Industrial Development District (IDD) to enhance flexibility in managing development projects. This piece is required by Washington State law in order to allow the Port to enlist private partnerships as part of our infrastructure initiatives. The IDD's boundaries are the same as that of the port district, extending from the Grant-Adams County line to the east, Hiawatha Road to the west, the Potholes Reservoir to the south, and a section of Stratford Road to the north.
Since the creation of the IDD, numerous private partnerships have been established, leading us to discover innovative ways to collaborate to enhance our infrastructure. We’re also working closely with the City of Moses Lake, regional municipalities, local, and state elected officials, regulators, and utilities. Working together streamlines and focuses budgets and resources, allowing us to work cohesively and better position our region for state and federal funding, too.
Our private partners excel in managing the intricacies that come with projects of this magnitude. Collaborating with us are companies like Western Pacific Engineering, TC Resource Management Corp., and Rivers Edge Group, all dedicated to strategically aligning our resources with opportunities to bring more power and water, and they come equipped to oversee infrastructure development, construction, permitting, compliance, policy, and capital funding. It’s quite the team working for our district.
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The Power Generation Strategy
The power plan covers two primary goals – transmit more power here and generate more power here. We have outlined the development of a new 70-mile transmission line aimed at facilitating seamless integration with the Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) main lines. Furthermore, we are exploring potential collaboration with the Port of Seattle to enhance our power resources while reinforcing grid stability.
Additionally, our plans include facilitating a gas pipeline network expansion to bolster local electrical generation, most likely at or near the Port of Moses Lake. Environmental compliance with regulations regarding natural gas usage will remain a priority; therefore, this project proposes to include emissions control technologies, such as carbon capture, to align with state emission standards. We are working with the state legislature on power initiatives including carbon capture, and it is our hope that the long-term economics of scalable energy availability justifies fresh evaluations and perspectives of Washington State standards this legislative session. We are also evaluating nuclear, solar and battery energy storage systems, as well as geothermal generation options, down the road.
| | These initiatives come with hefty price tags. It’s no small wonder we and municipalities across the country have stalled the same way. Enter private entities wanting to expand but unable to find communities that can support their power demands. With these private industries, there’s an impetus to help with the hefty infrastructure development price tags and our plan leverages that private investment without relying on the tax or rate payers for funding. We also have the added advantage of being able to partner with private entities for this caliber of development. Meanwhile, private entities work significantly faster than government. | | |
The Water Strategy
Water management is the other crucial aspect of our strategy. In collaboration with regional entities, we are proposing the construction of an extension of the W-20 which feeds off the West Low canal to funnel Columbia River water directly into north Moses Lake. The plan, named “The W-20 Project”, ensures that water would only be taken during the shoulder season, or outside of agriculture’s need for water. This initiative aims to meet the community's water needs while providing clean, low-phosphorus water to the lake.
The final alignment of the route will depend on several factors, including cultural resource assessments, approvals from various agencies, and cost analysis. It’s radical and ambitious, but this project offers significant benefits for both the City of Moses Lake and the Bureau of Reclamation as increased water supply for Moses Lake enhances economic resilience by supporting industry, agriculture, and population growth, and a cleaner lake will boost tourism, recreation, and business activities.
| | Regional leaders at Grant EDC LEAD summit discussing water issues, led by Rob Jones, Grant County Commissioner. | | |
Initial meetings have been held with the Moses Lake Irrigation and Reclamation District (signed MOU), United States Bureau of Reclamation, Department of Ecology, Quincy Basin Irrigation District, East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Columbia Basin Conservation District, Moses Lake Watershed Council, Columbia Basin Development League, the Colville Tribe, and federal, state, county and city elected officials. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We offer a special thank you to the Columbia Basin Conservation District, Moses Lake Irrigation and Reclamation District, and County Commissioner Rob Jones for their early partnerships and support!
Groundbreaking Collaborative Approach
The path forward for Eastern Washington, and the rest of the country, hinges on our ability to innovate and collaborate in addressing our energy and water shortages. While still early in development, by harnessing the power of private partnerships to secure infrastructure upgrades, we are working to make changes that will leave a new and lasting legacy for generations to come.
| | News From Around our Region | | |
Port of Moses Lake spending $2.8M for military training upgrades
Columbia Basin Herald
| November 24, 2025 – Upgrading the military training area at the Grant County International Airport, extending sections of the fire suppression system and changing runways designations are among the projects in Port of Moses Lake’s 2026 capital budget. | | Photo courtesy: File Photo | | |
Port of Moses Lake commemorates 60th anniversary
Columbia Basin Herald
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November 18, 2025 – The Port of Moses Lake celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding with a reception at the terminal Nov. 13.
“The port has served as a venue for remarkable historical moments,” said Dan Roach, port executive director. “It’s also been a catalyst for growth, supporting diverse industries from agriculture to aerospace, and fostering a thriving community.”
| | Photo courtesy: Port of Moses Lake | | |
$5.8M planned in capital projects at Port of Moses Lake
Columbia Basin Herald
| November 10, 2025 – The Port of Moses Lake is projected to generate about $12 million in revenues and spend about $16.07 million in 2026. The preliminary budget was reviewed by commissioners Monday. | | Photo courtesy: File Photo | | |
Moses Lake Council Highlights Air Show Success, Rail Project Progress, and Growth Prospects
SourceOne News
| October 17, 2025 – At the October 14 Moses Lake City Council meeting, Council Member Victor Lombardi shared a series of key updates from the Port of Moses Lake, highlighting notable successes, upcoming projects, and promising economic growth for the region. | | Photo courtesy: A-10C II Demonstration Team | | |
Port of Moses Lake rail construction moving forward
Columbia Basin Herald
| October 13, 2025 – The request for bids to build new rail line and rehabilitate other sections of the line to the Port of Moses Lake should go out to bid in early January. Port commissioners approved a $1.2 million agreement with Central Terminals for the right of way at the regular meeting Monday. | | Photo courtesy: File Photo | | |
Basin nonprofit CEO appointed to WA Board of Education
Columbia Basin Herald
| December 23, 2025 –Sue Kane, CEO of the NCW Tech Alliance, has been appointed to the Washington State Board of Education, Position 1, according to an announcement from the SBA. Kane lives in East Wenatchee and runs NCW Tech Alliance with offices throughout North Central Washington, including Moses Lake. | | Photo courtesy: File Photo | | |
CBTECH students push in their own fire engine
Columbia Basin Herald
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November 18, 2025 – The Fire Science students at Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center held their first push-in ceremony last week, welcoming home their new fire truck.
The truck was a donation from the city of Moses Lake, and while the program had borrowed it in the past, it’s now all theirs, explained CBTECH Fire Sciences teacher Lynn Dodd.
| | Photo courtesy: Moses lake School District | | |
Grant Co. LEAD Summit 2025 examines opportunities countywide
Columbia Basin Herald
| November 9, 2025 – The first day of the LEAD Summit hosted by the Grant County Economic Development Council was held at the Grant County Fairgrounds on Wednesday and Thursday. Local leaders from the area came together to share the future plans for the county. | | Ty Ehrman, Senior VP of Retail Operations at Grant PUD. CALEB PEREZ/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | | |
All 17 Big Bend Nursing Graduates Pass National Exam on First Try
SourceOne News
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November 4, 2025 – Big Bend Community College is celebrating a major milestone after all 17 members of its 2025 Nursing program passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on their first attempt — continuing a long-standing tradition of excellence.
The NCLEX is a nationally standardized exam that determines whether a candidate is ready for entry-level nursing practice and is required for licensure as a registered nurse.
| | Photo courtesy: Big Bend Community College | | |
Assn. of Washington Businesses bus tour comes to Grant Co.
Columbia Basin Herald
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October 8, 2025 – Association of Washington Business President Kris Johnson said the organization’s annual Manufacturing Week tour is designed to give participants a look at businesses – and job opportunities – they may not have known existed.
“It’s to spotlight that we have some of the world’s best companies right here in Washington state,” Johnson said. “(About) 271,000 women and men go to work for a manufacturer in our state. We make best-of-class products. We want to expose young people to the amazing careers that exist in this sector and in these fields.”
| | AWB Pres. Kris Johnson, left, and Sila Dr.Operations Manager Kent Jones.Photo courtesy: Cheryl Scweizer | | |
Stoke Space raises $510M for manufacturing of Nova launch vehicle
Columbia Basin Herald
| October 11, 2025 – Stoke Space Technologies – with facilities in Moses Lake, Kent and Cape Canaveral, Fla. – has secured $510 million in funding through Thomas Tull’s US Innovative Technology Fund and Silicon Valley Bank, supporting the manufacture of the company’s Nova Launch vehicle. The funding more than doubles its total capital raised to $990 million, according to a press release from the company. | | Photo courtesy: File Photo | | | | |
Performers, attractions, ground entertainment, RC invitational, and the National STOL (short takeoff and landing) competition! Fun for the whole family!
Join us for another exciting event Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13, 2026:
- General admission tickets free on Friday
- Kids free on Saturday!
Port of Moses Lake
Grant County International Airport Terminal
7810 Andrews N.E
Moses Lake, WA 98837
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