MATTAWA — Last week, Mattawa city officials and council members met with the owner of the Burger King franchise who is looking to build a new location in Mattawa.

According to Mattawa’s city planner, Darryl Piercy, the store, if built, will most likely be built along the new cul-de-sac located approximately across the street from Tiddaly Diddalys.

“They are doing a level one environmental study,” Piercy said.

If the study comes back satisfactorily, building could start in 2021. Before building starts, the land where Burger King will be located will need to be annexed into the city limits.

Sidewalks down to the area will also need to be installed. The city is looking at ways to pay for that installation.

“They think they will do well in Mattawa,” Piercy said. “They are excited about being part of Mattawa.”

Piercy said the owner of the potential Burger King mentioned making a parking lot that will accommodate school buses and larger vehicles. He also said they were analyzing the property to see if there is room for a play place.

If built, the new store would create 60 jobs, mostly part-time.

The Port of Mattawa currently owns the property that the Burger King may be built on. So far, the port has not signed any paperwork on it.

“We’re working on those particulars,” said Lars Leland, executive director for the Port of Mattawa. “It is very preliminary. We, the port, are really hoping we can work a deal out. It would bring a lot of job creation for the Mattawa area.”

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