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- Message from the Executive Director
- Q3 2026 at a Glance
- Commissioners' Corner
- From Classroom to Local Careers: Connecting Central Washington Youth with Opportunity
- News from Around the Region
| | | Message from the Executive Director | | | | |
Welcome back to our newsletter. The third quarter of 2026 brought strong signals that our region’s aerospace and clean-technology sectors are entering new phases of growth. Major financing announcements from Stoke Space, Twelve, and Sila Nanotechnologies point to planned or potential expansions and reflect confidence in Moses Lake as a place where companies can build, scale, and compete. We also advanced rail, water, power, and workforce development initiatives needed to support that growth, while Grant County International Airport continued serving regional aviation and wildfire-response needs. The quarter’s most moving encounter, however, came when we welcomed two special guests whose family story deepened our understanding of the aviation legacy entrusted to the Port.
Just before publication of this newsletter, we received even more encouraging news: Washington Governor Bob Ferguson nominated the Port’s Census Tract 53025010800 in northwest Moses Lake for renewal from the federal Opportunity Zone 1.0 program to Opportunity Zone 2.0. If certified by the U.S. Treasury Department, the designation could strengthen incentives for private investment, help modernize infrastructure, prepare shovel-ready sites, and help move expansion plans from concept to construction. Read our own press release here.
| | Infrastructure remains central to growth. Our rail project went out to bid in September, drawing strong market interest from prime contractors and subcontractors, with a contract award expected after the October review process. On water, we continued meeting with local, state, and federal partners to build alignment around the W-20 project and the broader challenges facing the Moses Lake area. Director of Business Development Richard Hanover, pictured above in our newsletter header, represented the Port at the “State of Our Lake” event, where he met with community members and shared an update on our progress. These efforts are part of the broader capital, water, rail, and airport priorities summarized in the Commissioners’ Corner below. | | Our district supplemental power initiative also advanced through a promising series of developments focused on the Wheeler Corridor, east Moses Lake, where industrial symbiosis could support the area’s growing industrial sector. In July, the Port was named one of seven Washington communities selected for technical assistance through the Washington Department of Commerce’s Industrial Symbiosis Technical Assistance Program, delivered by the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure. By September, we were hosting the first community alignment and opportunity-discovery meeting with area industries and global technical experts. Richard and I then traveled with a Washington delegation to Denmark to see industrial symbiosis in operation at Kalundborg Symbiosis, the world’s first such partnership, and the GreenLab industrial park. Those visits gave us practical examples of how shared energy, water, materials, and industrial byproducts could create long-term value for Wheeler Corridor businesses and the regional economy. You can read the full story in the next Grant County Magazine, an annual publication published by Grant County EDC and the Columbia Basin Herald, in November. | | Kalundborg Symbiosis plant, Denmark | | Left to right: Carol Hawk, Commissioner Darrin Jackson, Michael Hawk, Dan Roach, and Port Fire Chief, Jack Zeilenga. | | Finally, one of the quarter’s most meaningful moments was welcoming Michael Hawk and his wife, Carol, to Grant County International Airport in September. Michael’s father, 1st Lt. Leonard Hawk, died in a 1950 aircraft crash at Larson Air Force Base when Michael was three years old. Due to the restricted status of incidents during the Larson era, Michael's family, as well as the Port, were left in the dark about details of the accident. After further research, we discovered records from that era had since been declassified, allowing us to gather information regarding the crash. With the report in hand, we were able present the findings to Michael and Carol and take them to the crash site for a private moment of remembrance. This visit provided the Hawk family with some much-deserved clarity and closure. It also sparked a new mission at the Port to find the other untold stories of those who served and were lost on Larson Air Force Base. Read their story here, and stay tuned for those developments. | | Looking back on the quarter, it’s encouraging to see the breadth of opportunity taking shape across the Port district. At the same time, the Hawk family’s visit reminded us that progress carries a responsibility to honor the people and stories that shaped our aviation legacy. We will continue working with our tenants and community partners to build on today’s momentum with purpose, care, and a long-term commitment to Moses Lake. I encourage you to read the stories and updates below and to follow the Port on social media to stay connected between issues. Until next time! | | September 8: The Port hosted community leaders and agencies to discover new opportunities for a local Industrial Symbiosis effort. The meeting brought together industry and technical experts to discuss opportunities for sharing resources to provide long-term value for businesses and workers, to accelerate the regional economy. | | Sept 3: We held our annual Tenant Appreciation Lunch at the Grant County International Airport terminal. This casual gathering provided a great opportunity to share a meal, express our thanks, and connect with the businesses and organizations that play a vital role in advancing our Port District. | | August 31: Port social follower Vern Searcy sent us photos of the Fire Boss in action on Moses Lake, taken by his son, Carson. According to dad, Carson took the photos from their dock with a telephoto lens. Carson zoomed in and captured the moments beautifully! | | August 31: The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker marks 70 years since its first flight in 1956, an aviation milestone with a Moses Lake connection. Pictured: Crewmembers of tail number 55-3126, “City of Moses Lake”, that was used to transport dignitaries under the command of then-Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force General between 1957-1965. Photo courtesy Department of War. | | August 29: We were able to capture a 10 Tanker Air Carrier DC-10 lifting off from Grant County International Airport, headed out to support firefighting efforts in Montana. These impressive aircraft are converted McDonnell Douglas DC-10s, widebody, three-engine jets that now serve as Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs). | | |
August 25: Nothing quite like seeing a United States Army CH-47 Chinook roll in while a Joint Base Lewis-McChord C-17 lifts off from Grant County International Airport in the background. Both Boeing-built. Thank you, Port Fire Captain Bryan Gwinnup, for capturing this footage and sharing this view of the flight line.
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August 20: We were pleased to welcome a U.S. Army Company with their Apache and Black Hawk aircraft. Taking its first flight in 1975, the Apache serves as the backbone of global attack aviation. The Black Hawk is the U.S. military's premier tactical transport as well as air assault helicopter nicknamed “The Ultimate Survivor."
| | August 18: Port Executive Director Dan Roach joined partners for important conversations about water. The meeting, arranged by Senator Judy Warnick, brought Capital Budget Chair Sen. Yasmin Trudeau to eastern Washington to learn more about local priorities and the unique water challenges facing the Moses Lake area. | | August 11: The Port was pleased to attend the 2026 Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA) Summer Conference in the Tri-Cities. Director of Business Development, Richard Hanover, joined the panel “The Art of Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) – Designing a Playbook & Developing a Deal Flow." | | August 4: Grant County International Airport had a special visitor stop in for fuel before heading back into the smoky skies: Miss Million Airess, Million Air’s fully restored WWII A-26 Invader. More than a remarkable aircraft, she is an active tribute to the brave men and women of the Greatest Generation, flying in airshows and honoring veterans at memorial ceremonies across the country. | | July 30: Spotted at Grant County International Airport, a fully restored WWII warbird, the Douglas SBD Dauntless (originally built as an A-24A Banshee). The first of its kind flew right around the time our Moses Lake Army Airbase opened in 1942. Notice the tail hook. Restored in classic USN SBD-3 markings, it’s one of the few surviving airworthy versions. | | July 27: We had a rare lineup of Growlers from Whidbey Island training at the Port, with seven EA-18Gs parked on the tarmac. The sound of twin turbines over Grant County is powerful, but it also carries the weight of what this kind of flying demands. We certainly appreciate and respect the skill, discipline, and balanced risks inherent in military aviation! | | Summary Update of Commision Activity at the Port of Moses Lake | | |
Capital Projects
The Port expanded its footprint substantially by purchasing 13 property parcels, totaling just over 325 acres of Industrial zoned property. The purchase was financed through a revenue bond, slightly more than $19 million, helping to facilitate the expansion of Stoke Space. The commission also authorized a $768,220 Fire Loop contract to replace aging underground lines and hydrants; accepted a $403,634 FAA grant for a Runway 18/36 relocation and airport-layout study with an approximately 5% Port share.
Water
The Port advanced regional water priorities this quarter by pursuing funding for the W-20 project, including a potential $50 million federal request, and coordinating with the Moses Lake Watershed Council, local partners, and state and federal agencies. Work also addressed water rights, easements, land-transfer approvals, testing requirements, regional policy options, and long-range planning.
| Read commission meeting minutes here | | |
Airport Operations
The Port advanced airport priorities this quarter by exploring unmanned aircraft systems, UAV testing, and advanced air mobility partnerships to strengthen Grant County International Airport’s role as a major flight-test facility. Staff oversaw the five-year compass rose recalibration and certification, pursued professional training, and conducted industry outreach.The airport's 2010 electronic badge-access system has been replaced and now also has more capabilities.
Power
In addition to traveling to Denmark to tour Kalundborg Symbiosis, the world’s first industrial symbiosis partnership, leadership met with Washington Public Ports Association's Environment and Energy Committee and held discussions with energy companies, Washington State Department of Commerce, and Grant PUD. New work included sharing a power presentation to the city, gathering support letters from the city, county, legislators, Grant County EDC, Grant PUD. businesses, and others, and submitting an Industrial Symbiosis Grant application.
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Rail
The rail project went out to bid in September, drawing strong market interest, with approximately 35 prime contractors and additional subcontractors attending a project meeting. Bids were opened October 9, with contract award planned for the second October meeting to allow time for review.
Budget
A supplemental budget was proposed and approved through Resolution 1480 on August 10. The Commission held its annual budget retreat October 12-13th for 2027 planning purposes.
Engagement
Port leadership hosted candidates, Fairchild representatives, and Japanese Consulate staff from Seattle. They also met with city and county partners, Grant County Industrial Alliance, USBR, energy companies, and congressional and legislative offices; the Governor’s Commercial Aviation Workgroup, WPPA legislative meetings, the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce leadership roundtable, and a directors’ seminar.
| | From Classroom to Local Careers: Connecting Central Washington Youth with Opportunity | | |
By: Staff Writer
Career Explore Northwest is bringing young people in Central Washington closer to local career opportunities through 90-second job spotlights, virtual workplace tours, and first-person stories from area professionals. The award-winning KSPS PBS initiative, which began in Spokane and the Tri-Cities, has expanded to highlight careers in Wenatchee, Quincy, and Moses Lake, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at rewarding work in their own communities.
Jason Miller, Director of Corporate Investments and Partnerships & Career Explore Northwest, said, “I like to call it a community tool because it's built by the community.”
Through the Career Explore Northwest's free website, students can explore 90-second job spotlights with supportive pathway and wage data, 360-degree virtual workplace tours, detailed industry and educational guides covering aerospace, health care, technology, manufacturing, construction, and more. Since launching in 2018, the program has added virtual field trips, live experiences, and classroom connections. Its reach has also expanded nationally through SchooLinks, a college-and-career readiness platform for students in grades 7–12. Together, those resources help students connect their interests and schoolwork with real opportunities close to home.
| | Jason Miller, Director of Corporate Investments and Partnerships & Career Explore Northwest | | Confluence Healthcare, Moses Lake, Radiation Therapist | | |
Grant funding is bringing the program’s next round of videos to Central Washington at no cost to participating employers. Collaborating with Grant County EDC, North Central ESD, the Port, and local businesses, Career Explore Northwest will spotlight the work, skills, and training behind jobs at AeroTEC, Confluence Health, Stoke Space, Sabey Data Centers, and the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
For participating employers, the program offers a great deal of exposure to the next generation of local talent. Miller said, “When we create these videos, we broadcast them on KSPS/PBS, we push them out on social media, and they go on www.careerexplorenw.org and various platforms. We’re not only reaching the young people and letting them know that the companies are here and have jobs available, but we’re also reaching the broader public, parents, and grandparents who can help guide in the right direction. We’re creating awareness of the organization, and they’re seen as a community partner in education and workforce development.”
The program is guided by a board of educators and industry representatives, where youth feedback is also important and sought after for continuous improvement. Miller said, “We'll go into classrooms, we give them all iPads and say, okay, go forth and search, and tell us what you like and tell us what you don't like. Be kind but be brutal. We're here to improve.”
The program’s impact comes into focus in the paths students discover for themselves. Miller recalled a high school welding student who watched a video about a nearby employer and became interested in learning more. With an introduction from the school’s work-based learning coordinator, the student interviewed for a position and stepped into a job as soon as he graduated. “It just doesn’t get any better than that,” Miller said.
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Career Explore Northwest’s next phase will add regions, careers, and direct connections with professionals. Miller expects to test a broader webinar format spring 2027, allowing students in Spokane, Moses Lake, Pasco, Pullman, and other communities to participate together. An expanded advisory council will help identify missing career categories and recruit sponsors from industries not yet represented.
Miller credits colleagues, educators, employers, sponsors, and advisers with helping the program grow beyond its original vision. “It definitely has grown beyond our expectations. We are amazed, excited, and grateful to the business and educational community for embracing the concept and helping us grow to what it has become.”
To employers wishing to participate, Miller said, “Knowledge is power. Our goal really is to inspire young people with the opportunities in their backyard, and we do rely on our business sponsorships and partners to help make that possible. We would love to come out and feature the careers that you offer. We hope you'll join us.”
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“This website has been instrumental in partnering business and education together to help inform students, parents, and the community about the various job opportunities in our region. As more videos have been created, teachers have commented on all the jobs they didn’t know existed and how they feel more comfortable talking with students about these opportunities.”
Victoria Leifer
Asst. Superintendent
West Valley School District, Spokane
| | News From Around our Region | | |
Regional water project targets long-term solutions for Moses Lake area water needs
Apple Valley News
| September 4, 2026 – The Port of Moses Lake and its regional partners are continuing to advance the W20 Lateral Extension Water Project, an initiative designed to address long-term water availability and quality challenges for the area. | | Photo courtesy: Apple Valley News | | |
NCW Tech Alliance launches four-year energy workforce pathway project
Lake Chelan Mirror
| September 16, 2026 – NCW Tech Alliance and the Apple STEM Network have launched a four-year initiative aimed at connecting North Central Washington students with education and career opportunities in energy, utilities, industrial technology and infrastructure. The Future Ready Energy & Industrial Technology Pathways Project, known as FREIT, will run from 2026 through 2030. The Port of Quincy, Chelan County Public Utility District and Port of Moses Lake are regional partners supporting the development of a coordinated education-to-workforce pathway. | | Photo courtesy: NCW Tech Alliance | | |
Port of Moses Lake explores industrial symbiosis to address regional energy needs
Apple Valley News
| September 2, 2026 – The Port of Moses Lake is exploring how industrial symbiosis could help shape the long-term energy needs of the region, holding the first meeting of a new planning effort today. | | Photo courtesy: Apple Valley News | | |
State to provide technical assistance for Port of Moses Lake project
Columbia Basin Herald
| July 27, 2026 – The Port of Moses Lake will receive assistance from the Washington Department of Commerce to evaluate options for providing additional electrical generation, or sharing existing power, for industries on East Wheeler Road. | | Photo courtesy: Columbia Basin Herald | | |
Twelve Closes Credit Facility of up to $45 Million for AirPlant One with Nomura and Endurance Capital
Twelve
| September 9, 2026 – Twelve announced today it has secured a credit facility of up to $45 million, led by Endurance Capital and Nomura as Joint Bookrunner, with Nomura also acting as Administrative Agent. The credit facility refinanced the AirPlant One construction facility and will support additional expansion at the plant for Twelve’s first commercial-scale E-Jet® production facility in Moses Lake, Washington. | | | |
Stoke Space Raises $1 Billion to Accelerate Fully Reusable Launch
STOKE
| September 8, 2026 – Stoke Space Technologies, Inc. the rocket company developing fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicles, announced today that it has completed an initial closing of its billion-dollar Series E financing round. This funding brings Stoke’s total capital raised to $2.3 billion and will support the company as it prepares for its first orbital launch, expands production and launch capacity, and accelerates development of its larger Nova Block 2 launch vehicle. | | Photo courtesy: Stoke Space Technologies | | |
Fighting wildfires from above
Columbia Basin Herald
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September 8, 2026 – Wildland fires can be fierce and chaotic. Fighting them, however, is a precision task, even when it looks like it would be hard to be precise. Matt Gilstrap, an aerial firefighter with Henry’s Aerial, said the aircraft that apply water and retardant have a specific purpose in mind.
| | Photo courtesy: Cheryl Schweizer. Columbia Basin Herald | | |
CBTECH, Museum of Flight partner to expand aviation education opportunities
Columbia Basin Herald
| August 31, 2026 – Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center has partnered with Seattle's Museum of Flight to bring the museum's Aeronautical Science Pathway program to the Columbia Basin, expanding educational and career opportunities for students interested in aviation. | | Photo courtesy: Coumbia Basin Technical Skills Center | | |
‘I have been incredibly blessed’
Columbia Basin Herald
| August 25, 2026 – When LeAnne Parton steps down as executive director of the Big Bend Community College Foundation at the end of August, she’ll do it with her head held high. | | Photo courtesy: Big Bend Community College | | |
Sila Nanotechnologies looking at possible Moses Lake expansion
Columbia Basin Herald
| August 20, 2026 – Sila Nanotechnologies is considering expansion of its Moses Lake facility following the announcement of a $1.4 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Defense earlier this month. The company also received about $300 million in funding in July, said co-founder and chief executive officer Gene Berdichevsky. | | Photo courtesy: File photo | | |
Sila Receives Conditional $1.4 Billion Loan Commitment from U.S. Department of War to Accelerate Domestic Battery Technology Manufacturing
Sila
| August 7, 2026 – Sila, an advanced battery technology company, today announced that it has received a conditional loan commitment of up to $1.4 billion from the United States Department of War through its Office of Strategic Capital (OSC). The financing would support the expansion of Sila’s silicon-carbon (Si/C) anode manufacturing capacity at its Moses Lake, Washington facility as well as the buildout of a lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facility. | | | |
Stoke Space Technologies announces Moses Lake expansion
Columbia Basin Herald
| August 6, 2026 – A company experimenting with reusable rockets will be expanding its operations in Moses Lake. Stoke Space Technologies will be adding test facilities on 324 acres across the road from its existing location on Road G Northeast at the Port of Moses Lake. | | Photo courtesy: Stoke Space Technologies | | |
Field study
Columbia Basin Herald
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July 31, 2026 – Six decades of agricultural collaboration between the Columbia Basin and Japan were celebrated Monday evening at Big Bend Community College.
“Over the years, hundreds of participants have come to our region to learn, to work, and share their talents,” Big Bend Community College President Sara Thompson Tweedy said at the commemoration Monday. “And in doing so, you have enriched our college, strengthened our agricultural community, and created lifelong relationships that continue to span the Pacific Ocean.”
| | Photo courtesy: Columbia Basin Herald | | | | |
