The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) joined the Port of Benton, Port of Pasco and Port of Walla Walla in signing an interlocal agreement to develop an Inland Logistics Hub in the Tri-Cities region of southeastern Washington. This partnership establishes a framework for joint efforts to enhance international trade, expand cargo movement and strengthen Washington state’s supply chain infrastructure.
The envisioned Inland Logistics Hub will leverage existing regional assets, including available industrial-zoned land and access to Class I railroads and major highways with direct connections to the coastal seaport. The hub will also support the development of new logistics capabilities, including intermodal transfer operations, distribution and warehousing facilities and barge facilities with access to the Columbia-Snake River system.
The agreement focuses on joint planning and coordinated marketing efforts to attract investment from international trade customers and companies, alignment on land-use and transportation planning and collaborative pursuit of funding opportunities. It seeks to build on the success of the current rail service connection offered by Tri-Cities Intermodal, which launched in 2024.
The ports view an Inland Logistics Hub as a vehicle to drive increased economic development and job creation across urban and rural Washington communities, improve export access for eastern Washington agricultural and industrial products, and attract new businesses involved in global trade to the state.
The collaboration leverages collective resources while preserving competitive options for each port district, delivering lasting value to the state for years to come.
Together, the port partners are committed to advancing this collaborative effort toward an Inland Logistics Hub in the Tri-Cities and look forward to realizing shared economic benefits for all of Washington state.
Commented NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President Dick Marzano: “The signing of this Interlocal Agreement marks a significant step forward in regional cooperation. By partnering together, we are building resilient trade corridors that will create family-wage jobs, support Washington exporters, and ensure our Puget Sound gateway remains competitive in global markets for generations.”
(Photo from NWSA)