2017-03-13 IPAT Board Meeting1
IPAT Board Meeting
March 13, 2017
3 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Lee Napier and Erik
Martin, as well as IPAT board members Frank DeVaul, Tony Briggs, Bob Guenther, Andy Alexander,
Shannon Murphy-Olson, and Allyn Roe
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Members of the group introduced themselves.
Allyn Roe gave a summary of what the Industrial Park at TransAlta (IPAT) is doing. He said Site 1
construction has wrapped up to extend sewer and water and create level pads and an access road. He
said the site marketing has begun. He said he’s looking for a client that fits, one that doesn’t compete
with the existing clients.
Allyn said IPAT is looking at two projects, one of which is active and the other of which has fizzled out.
He gave an overview of Project 78, a tissue project that has chosen to go a different direction. He also
gave an overview of Project Crystal, which could bring 700-1,000 jobs.
Allyn gave an overview of the information that’s shared with prospective clients, including information
regarding water, power, rail, and gas.
Allyn said IPAT is looking at operational sustainability. He said the focus internally has been marketing
the sites and working on communication.
Bob Guenther said in 2011, there was $9.4 million paid in taxes. By 2016, it had dropped nearly $5
million. Bob said landing big projects – and the gas-fired plant – will bring those taxes and family wage
jobs back to Lewis County.
Frank DeVaul said clients likely would require unique infrastructure needs. He said those needs vary
from project to project to project. He said that’s why the projects are done in a manner that would be
able to satisfy smaller clients’ needs. He said now IPAT is entertaining projects never seen before in the
area.
Bob Guenther discussed the havoc caused by shutting down the power plant.
Frank DeVaul said the .09 Fund grant is helpful. He said IPAT is trying to keep all of its options open.
Bob Guenther said Gov. Gregoire and Gov. Inslee have expressed support. Bob talked about past
interactions. He said he appreciates the current support.
Allyn Roe said there is some more homework to be done prior to securing a client for the sites.
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Commissioner Stamper asked whether the completed sites are being used as a mock-up to show
potential clients what would be available on a larger scale. Allyn Roe said that IPAT is doing that.
Erik Martin discussed the North Access freeway project and its positive reception. He said that bodes
well for future projects. He discussed recent meetings that are part of the process.
Bob Guenther discussed the necessary processes and procedures. He said he understands that there are
steps that must be followed.
Erik Martin said that it sounds like the proposed project has tons of utility for industrial access as well as
local use.
Allyn Roe discussed the two proposals he mentioned earlier. He said one would include 200 trucks daily,
whereas the other would be 250 trucks daily.
Bob Guenther said the proposal would benefit the Port of Centralia.
Allyn Roe said if a client gave the green light today, it would take roughly 18 months to two years to
begin breaking ground. He said progress continues to be made on that front.
Bob Guenther told the group about a recent incident in which Sen. Kevin Ranker followed him and
Commissioner Fund out of a hearing to learn more about the transition.
Frank DeVaul talked about the benefits of having clients already a few steps ahead because some of the
groundwork already has been done.
Andy Alexander said this isn’t just to replace TransAlta. It’s to build something bigger, he said. He said
the area is unique in what it can offer.
Meeting ended at 4:07 p.m.