The Port of Kalama’s East Port initiative is the latest investment in our community’s future. The vision for East Port includes the Spencer Creek Business Park as well as the adjacent recreational areas. Working closely with the City of Kalama, Cowlitz County and other regional partners, the Port has already made considerable progress toward its goal of strengthening Kalama’s cultural, recreational and employment opportunities.
Haydu Park, the first of two major East Port contributions, is now open for community enjoyment with soccer fields, baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, shoreline access and many other recreational amenities. The gorgeous recreational facility is spread over 45 acres in an idyllic setting adjacent to the Kalama River.
The Port’s $4.5 million investment into the development of this regional destination, at no expense to local tax payers, is a prime example of a strong commitment to Kalama’s quality of life.
Haydu Park also serves as the new home for the Kalama Fair and other popular community events including the Amalak Plant Sale and Fair Board Flea Market— and in time, many others. Activities at Haydu Park continue to attract visitors to Kalama resulting in increased local spending, lodging taxes and other revenues. Above all, this state-of-the-art enhancement for local sports teams and event organizers is a place they can be proud to call home.
Port of Kalama creates economic engine for the region
Work on the second major East Port component, Spencer Creek Business Park, is now underway. While full development of Spencer Creek will occur gradually over twenty years, the mixed-use economic engine and employment hub—including a variety of commercial and industrial uses—is anticipated to support more than 1,000 new jobs, $40 million in annual payroll wages, $270 million in business revenues and $4.5 million in annual tax revenue.
Current development at the business park includes grading, infrastructure extension, road improvements and landscaping. Next, the Port will replant new trees and vegetation according to a plan developed in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
As the Port of Kalama brings the East Port vision to life, we continue to work closely with the broader community, stakeholder groups, businesses and residents. As one early outcome of this personal engagement, the Port has purchased several properties located between Kalama River Road and the Kalama River after being approached by property owners there. In each case, the Port has leased back these single-family residences to the original owners while focusing on completing construction at Haydu Park and work on the Spencer Creek Business Park. While there are no immediate plans for these properties, the intention is to preserve future options including possible improvements and/or habitat enhancement.
Like you, we at the Port of Kalama are residents of this treasured community. We are stewards of the land. And we want what’s best for this place we call home.
As always, the Port will strive to meet or exceed all applicable environmental regulations, community goals and public involvement guidelines as we bring the vision to life. To learn more about East Port and its benefits to the region, please visit www.PortOfKalama.com.
Let’s celebrate our successes together and give thanks for all we share as residents of Kalama!
For more on East Port plans, watch this! Spencer Creek Business Park video
