Congresswoman Secures $1.85M for Port Industrial Park

Funding will help develop essential infrastructure for new businesses in Jefferson County

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic composition of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the development of an industrial park and the economic growth it will bring to the local community.A geometric visualization of the plans to transform an underutilized airport property into a thriving industrial hub, fueling economic opportunity in Jefferson County.Port Townsend Today

Congresswoman Emily Randall has requested $1.85 million in federal funding to support the development of a 24-acre light industrial park near the Jefferson County International Airport. The funding, if secured, would go towards building roads, a septic system, and stormwater infrastructure to create 'pad-ready' sites for businesses to set up shop. The Port of Port Townsend has long identified the need for more industrial land to drive economic development and job creation in the region.

Why it matters

With effectively zero available industrial property in Jefferson County, this project is seen as 'critically important for the future' by Port Executive Eron Berg. The industrial park is expected to promote job growth, private investment, and economic vitality in the region, while also strengthening the community's resilience to potential environmental and economic shocks.

The details

The Port acquired the 24-acre property in 2002 and received approval in 2009 to rezone it for light industrial use. The total project cost is estimated at $7.5 million, with the federal funding covering the initial infrastructure development. Port Capital Project Manager Dave Nakagawara says the goal is to 'set the table' and maintain momentum to attract prospective tenants. Port Townsend Foundry co-owner Pete Langley supports the plans, seeing it as an opportunity to grow his employee-owned business and create more local jobs.

  • Congresswoman Randall requested the $1.85 million in funding for fiscal year 2027.
  • The Port of Port Townsend acquired the 24-acre property in 2002.
  • The Port received approval to rezone the property for light industrial use in 2009.

The players

Congresswoman Emily Randall

A U.S. Representative who represents Washington's 6th Congressional District and has requested $1.85 million in federal funding to support the development of the Port's industrial park.

Eron Berg

The Executive Director of the Port of Port Townsend, who sees the industrial park project as 'critically important for the future' of the region.

Pete Langley

The co-owner of Port Townsend Foundry, who fully supports the Port's plans to build the industrial park as it would provide opportunities for his employee-owned company to grow and create more local jobs.

Dave Nakagawara

The Port's Capital Project Manager, who expects the total project cost to be $7.5 million and is focused on 'setting the table' to attract prospective tenants.

Port of Port Townsend

The owner of the Jefferson County International Airport and the entity developing the 24-acre light industrial park.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If there is any sense I am hoping to convey is enthusiasm for the funding and a feeling that the sands of the hourglass are moving quickly on ensuring that the young people of today are able to have jobs here.”

— Eron Berg, Port Executive

“I think having a number of things out at the airport is obviously very good because aircraft manufacturing, any of the stuff that we are already doing that blends in with that, would be a perfect scenario in the future for my employees. I'm looking at trying to turn this into an employee-owned company and have the support of the employees to want to grow and create more jobs. That's hard to do without an affordable parcel.”

— Pete Langley, Port Townsend Foundry co-owner

“What we are going to provide is a pad-ready site to somebody to build a building. In our dreams, we would build a couple buildings that we would lease. At least to get the ball rolling, having sites that have water, septic, power, all that kind of stuff is very helpful.”

— Dave Nakagawara, Port Capital Project Manager

What’s next

The funding request still needs to be approved by the House Appropriations Committee. If secured, the Port plans to use the $1.85 million to develop the essential infrastructure for the industrial park, including roads, septic, and stormwater systems.

The takeaway

This project represents a strategic investment in Jefferson County's economic future, providing much-needed industrial land and infrastructure to attract new businesses and support the growth of existing companies like the employee-owned Port Townsend Foundry. By working with Congresswoman Randall to secure federal funding, the Port is taking a proactive step to strengthen the region's economic resilience and create more local job opportunities.