EPHRATA - The Port of Mattawa received $300,000 to install about 1,200 feet of pipe to provide water for fire suppression.

The Grant County commissioners recently approved a Strategic Infrastructure Program grant of $150,000 and a loan of $150,000 for the project. The program is funded by a state sales tax refund for economically struggling areas and is dedicated to projects designed to promote economic growth.

The project benefits the port in two ways, according to the application. It provides a pressurized "fire flow" to both industrial parks, which the port doesn't have right now. It will also allow the port to apply processed water to 200 acres of ground.

"We are currently taking the steps to lease 20 acres of ground in Industrial Park No. 4 for a fertilizer plant and a test nursery," according to the application. "The facility will need the fire protection of insurance reasons and will also be purchasing the process water for the test nursery."

The addition of pressurized water for fire suppression to two of the port's industrial parks allows it to lease more ground to new businesses, according to the application. 

"We have hired J-U-B Engineers Inc. to do the preliminary design and probably cost estimating for this project," according to the application. "We have several new businesses, including a fertilizer plant and a vineyard, that will build their facilities and growers that will plant crops and purchase the treated wastewater."

The port stated the change empowers existing companies, Wahluke Wine Company and J and S Crushing to continue expanding .

The port estimates the project will cost $375,000, and plans to contribute $75,000 of its money.