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Gilliam County awaits EDA release, inventories ‘Grain Lab’ equipment with plans to sell surplus
Summary
Arlington — Gilliam County officials told the court on April 16 they have completed county due diligence on the Brain/Grain Lab building and are awaiting an Economic Development Administration (EDA) release document that will incorporate two continuing federal covenants: the building may not be used for religious purposes and may not be used for discriminatory purposes.
Arlington — Gilliam County officials told the court on April 16 they have completed county due diligence on the Brain/Grain Lab building and are awaiting an Economic Development Administration (EDA) release document that will incorporate two continuing federal covenants: the building may not be used for religious purposes and may not be used for discriminatory purposes.
Why it matters: the covenants limit certain future uses of county property; the county cannot proceed with leasing or repurposing the building until EDA completes its release of covenant and accompanying legal review.
The court heard that legal counsel verified those two federal covenants are expected to run with the property after the federal interest is released in June 2025. County officials said the EDA is reviewing the proposed release through its attorneys and that Gilliam County staff are tracking progress and following up periodically. The county said Senator Murkowski’s office (named in the transcript as a point of contact) has offered assistance if the county becomes delayed in the process.
Separate from the covenant question, county staff reported they have assembled photographs and an inventory compiled with the county treasurer to match items in the building to historic purchase records. Staff said most lab equipment is about 20 years old; one high‑ticket item — an alveograph — is on the inventory with an original purchase price of about $45,000. Staff said they will research current value as part of a plan to post surplus equipment on PublicSurplus and to perform outreach to regional universities (Washington State University was named) and local businesses. The county said it will use the county website, social media and newspaper ads for outreach if the county lists items for sale.
Officials discussed options for minimum bids and outreach; staff cautioned some equipment may have little or no resale value due to age or obsolescence and that some items might ultimately be removed as scrap if unsold. The county plans to preserve certain building furnishings (conference table, desks) for use by future tenants unless a tenant requests otherwise.
Ending: County staff said they will continue valuation work, finalize the inventory, and proceed with surplus listing once the EDA release and internal decisions about minimum bids are completed.
