Richland council approves option agreement with Atlas Agro for Horn Rapids site

The Richland City Council voted unanimously Dec. 2 to authorize an option agreement with Atlas Agro for 275 acres at 2100 Horn Rapids Road, a move proponents say could enable a green fertilizer plant and related data center development.

City economic-development staff presented Resolution 2025‑146 as an option agreement that allows both parties to complete due diligence before a purchase-and-sale agreement is returned to council. Staff and presenters described potential economic benefits if the purchase option is exercised, including an estimated land sale north of $23.9 million, an estimated $4.2 million in construction sales tax, about $825,000 in annual property tax revenue and an estimated $17 million electric occupation tax based on projected kilowatt‑hour use.

Supporters at the meeting included residents and project representatives. Dan Holmes, who identified himself with Pacific Green, said adding a data‑center partner “helps us derisk our project” and strengthens the financing that will facilitate the fertilizer plant. Diane Howard, Port of Benton executive director, told council the port extended Atlas’s option on 150 acres through August 2026 and backed the city option agreement as complementary to that timeline.

Council members discussed both the project’s opportunities and risks. City staff and Clint (whom staff introduced during the presentation) described that Bonneville Power Administration transmission planned to the site would add roughly 1,300 megawatts of capacity — many times the city’s average load — which could attract major industrial users. Council member Meyer asked whether the forecast of about 100 jobs referred to long‑term positions; staff confirmed the job-count referenced long‑term employment. Council members raised zoning, environmental review, and water‑use questions and urged the city to prepare development code and contract language that would protect community interests.

The council asked staff to review purchase-and-sale terms later and to pursue subject‑matter expertise; City Manager Amundson said the city is speaking with firms to serve as an owner’s representative with data‑center experience. After discussion, Council member Meyer moved to approve the resolution; the motion passed without recorded opposition.

Next steps: the option agreement permits further due diligence and, if exercised by Atlas Agro, the purchase and sale agreement would return to council for approval with more detailed contractual terms and any zoning or permit actions required.