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Port of Shelton asks for $350,000 in 009 funds to serve incoming company; commissioners stress fair process
Summary
The Port of Shelton requested $350,000 of county 009 economic-development funds to pay half of site-service infrastructure (rail, water, power) for a Canadian company planning to locate at Johns Prairie. Commissioners agreed to follow the county’s 009 application and public-comment process and to send the request to eligible entities for comment before action.
Wendy Smith, representing the Port of Shelton, asked Mason County commissioners to consider up to $350,000 from 009 economic-development funds to cover half of estimated infrastructure costs (estimated total ~$700,000) needed to bring a company to Johns Prairie. The Port’s request would fund site-level rail upgrades and utilities to service the parcel; the company would construct the building and attach services.
Commissioners expressed support for economic development but emphasized process and fairness: multiple applicants had previously been asked to hold off while the county finalized 009 fund procedures, and several commissioners said they did not want to disadvantage applicants who followed instructions. The board discussed statutory notice requirements and a public-comment period for eligible entities; staff confirmed a notification process exists and that typical comment periods run on the order of weeks.
Commissioners directed staff to place an item on the next action agenda to authorize sending the Port’s application out for public comment to eligible entities per the 009 process and to confirm legal timelines with the county attorney. Staff also said they would revisit previously submitted applications and bring them forward for review in the same manner to ensure fairness.
No appropriation was made today; commissioners said they would consider phased funding if appropriate but underscored that any award must follow the county’s public-notice and review process.
