Assets available will be well received overseas

The Port of Moses Lake board of commissioners voted in favor of joining in on the Japan marketing initiative spearheaded by the Grant County Economic Development Council at their meeting Monday.

The initiative aims at first connecting with Boeing 7E7 subcontractors to assist them in locating a sub-assembly facility in Grant County, and secondly to open channels to allow further trade, joint ventures and investment in manufacturing, industry, agriculture and agribusiness.

The Port of Moses Lake is committing $25,000 for marketing through the end of the year and an additional $5,000 to cover travel expenses to follow up on generated business leads.

"This project is in line with the Port of Moses Lake's vision and mission," said Kent Jones, president of the Port Commission. "The commission sees our participation as a pro-active step and is committed to seeing this through as a long-term approach."

The Port of Moses Lake is a natural fit for aerospace-related industries and, as a finalist for the final assembly for the Boeing 7E7, a well-established location for development. The amenities such as the long runways, industrial land and available infrastructure will be emphasized as a draw for Japanese companies to the area.

"The Port of Moses Lake is a good partner to the EDC and to economic development in Grant County," Brewer said. "The assets available for development on Port property will be well-received in Japan. The commissioners' support of the initiative is crucial for eventual success."

Outside of the GCEDC and the Port, funding commitment has also been received from the Grant County Tourism Commission. Other partners are considering taking part.