Mattawa — Road T.7 in the Sentinel Gap Industrial Park has been paved, fiber, water and sewer has been installed and is waiting for final inspection. That was the report at the Port of Mattawa meeting on Monday, Sept. 9.

Lars Leland, executive director for the Port of Mattawa, said that the Sentinel Gap Industrial Park has been in the works for approximately ten years and has cost around $1 million, including the cost of purchasing the property. As of now, two clients have already moved into the industrial park. Port officials are hoping that a third will start construction by the end of the year.

In other business, the hotel study proposed by the port is being put on hold until 2020. Leland had addressed the Mattawa city council, asking for help with the study. His request was denied for the present. The port will revisit the hotel study again next year.

The Port of Mattawa commissioners set a public hearing on the 2020 budget for Oct. 14 at noon. The public hearing will be held during the regular port of commissioners meeting.

Leland updated the commissioners about the progress on possibly paving Stevens Street. He told the Mattawa city council at its last meeting that the Port and a private partner are looking to pave Stevens Street, southeast of the Highway 243 and Road 24 SW traffic circle, next to the Jehovah’s Witness church. The port is applying for a SIP grant, and received a letter of support from the city council.

“Hopefully the county commissioners will fund that,” Leland said.

While the road isn’t part of the Port of Mattawa, port officials think that paving the road could attract new job creators, as it is at the entrance of Mattawa.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com.