EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata and the Port of Ephrata have secured a state planning grant to jointly develop a long‑range economic development strategy aimed at improving infrastructure and attracting new businesses. 

The Community Economic Revitalization Board awarded the $75,000 planning grant after Port Executive Director Dave Lanman, City Administrator Ray Towry and City Project Engineer Dave Bren traveled to Olympia to present the proposal. The council approved the grant application in November 2025.  

The city and port will each contribute to $9,375 matching funds, bringing the total project budget to $93,750. 

Lanman said the partnership formalizes a shared goal to accelerate growth on the city’s north side.  

“We just decided as two entities that we’d like to join forces, join our resources, and see if we can find a way to help expedite the growth of this area,” he said in a previous interview with the Columbia Basin Herald.  

Towry said the collaboration is essential for strengthening the city’s financial foundation.  

“We struggle because we don’t have a large commercial or industrial base that provides property tax to the city, which is how we pay for our parks and streets,” he said in a previous interview with the Columbia Basin Herald. “This is the first step to lower bond and levy amounts for our community members because if we bring in new businesses, they will help share those costs.” 

The grant will fund the development of a joint Economic Development Plan that identifies infrastructure needs tied to business recruitment and expansion. The plan will evaluate improvements to roads, power, rail, reclaimed water, stormwater, water and sewer systems – upgrades officials say are important to supporting long‑term growth. 

The effort aligns with the city’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan, which has a focus on infrastructure investment and regional partnerships. Port officials say the port’s industrial land and transportation assets make it a key driver of future economic opportunities. 

“We’re very excited for this opportunity to partner with the city of Ephrata on economic development,” Lanman said in a statement.  

Towry said the grant underscores the strength of the relationship between the two agencies.  

“By aligning our efforts on infrastructure, transportation, and economic development, we’re able to accomplish more together and position our community for long‑term economic growth,” he said in a statement. “This collaboration ensures Ephrata can grow sustainably while strengthening the foundation for future generations.” 

Work on the plan is expected to begin in July 2026.