MOSES LAKE — The Washington Public Ports Association recognized the Port of Moses Lake as the 2024 Port of the Year during the WPPA’s annual meeting in Bellevue, Wash., Thursday, according to a release from the port.  

“A lot of recognition comes to the commission, but to be honest, our staff does all the work. We have a very small staff, and they have been there for a long time. This award recognizes their tremendous efforts,” Port Commission President Kent Jones said while accepting the award.  

The port has a five-runway airport in the form of the Grant County International Airport with the longest being 13,500 feet long and a Federal Aviation Administration-operated control tower. Major tenants include Boeing and the U.S. Forest Service with significant use by the U.S. military as well, according to port documents. Additional users are Greenpoint Technologies, AeroTEC, SGL Carbon, AstaReal and Moses Lake Industries.  

The port is often cited by businesses as a reason for locating in the Moses Lake area. 

The port has long held a partnership with Big Bend Community College to aid in workforce development for the region and has partnered with other area groups to develop the local economy.  

In October, the port cut the ribbon on an $8 million set of water upgrades. The projects include a 13-acre storage pond on the west side of the port that can hold about 70 million gallons of water that’s been used, treated and discharged by port tenants. A new well is also being added to the port. 

Many of the improvements and successes at the port are the work of port staff and its community partners, port leaders said.  

“This recognition not only highlights the achievements of our Port team but also serves as a testament to the continuous collaboration among stakeholders committed to a shared mission. We extend our sincerest thanks to our esteemed colleagues at the Washington Public Ports Association for this honor and all who played a role in earning it,” said Port of Moses Lake Commissioner Stroud Kunkle.  

Kunkle and Jones were recognized by Port of Moses Lake Executive Director Dan Roach for their leadership in developing the port, including adding rail service to the port to enhance local shipping options for tenants and neighbors.  

“We have a wonderful commission with a lot of experience and steady hand at the helm. Many of our projects have been years in the making, like the railroad project, and it’s finally coming to where we can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Roach said.