Port updates grant process, funds Cashmere project

WENATCHEE — The Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority is refining how it awards funding through its Partners in Economic Development grant program, introducing a more structured review process while approving new grants for projects in Cashmere and Wenatchee.

Port staff told commissioners the program is being tightened with clearer application materials, a formal scoring system and a new review schedule intended to better align grant awards with the Port’s strategic goals.

Since the board’s last meeting, staff established a review committee to evaluate applications and developed a single application form that will now cover both nonprofit organizations and municipal projects.

The new application is designed to align more directly with the Port’s strategic plan, making it easier for commissioners to compare proposals against the agency’s priorities.

Staff also created a scoring rubric to provide a more consistent framework for evaluating requests.

Commissioner Jim Kuntz said the changes are intended to bring more structure and accountability to the process.

“I think it provides a little bit more rigor in the review,” Kuntz said, noting that a clearer scoring system should help commissioners better compare proposals.

Beginning with the 2027 funding cycle, the Port plans to move to a twice-yearly call for proposals, with application deadlines set for Jan. 30 and May 30.

Instead of rotating commissioners through the review process, the Port also plans to appoint a standing review committee each year, made up of the board’s president and vice president.

Douglas County Commissioner Alan Loebsack said the shift should make the program more navigable.

“I think it’s probably healthy,” Loebsack said. “We might get a little bit more efficient at it.”

Commissioners also emphasized that projects demonstrating clear economic impact — particularly job creation or tourism activity — will remain a key priority in evaluating requests.

“With our ability to get the money out where it needs to go, it’s going to get better and it will be more of a planned-out thing,” said Loebsack.

After discussing the new process, the board moved on to grant applications for the current funding cycle.

The Port approved $15,000 for the City of Cashmere to help rehabilitate the Riverside Park boat ramp, which was heavily impacted by flooding in December 2025.

Cashmere Public Works Director Steve Croci said the work will restore a key take-out point used by commercial rafting companies and recreational boaters on the Wenatchee River.

Croci said rafting companies operating on the river bring significant tourism to the valley, with many visitors traveling from outside the region.

“We see 10,000 users from these fees that we collect on each user from the commercial rafters,” Croci said, adding that rafting companies estimate more than 90 percent of their customers come from outside the area.

Those visitors typically float the river from Leavenworth and exit at Cashmere, where they often stop for food, fuel or other services.

Port commissioners approved the grant contingent on the city securing necessary permits and completing the project in 2026.

The board also approved $10,000 for the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, providing partial funding for a new series of guided heritage and outdoor education tours intended to attract visitors from across Washington.

Museum Executive Director Marriah Thornock said the programs are part of a broader strategy to expand the museum’s statewide audience while its building is closed for a major renovation and expansion.

“The museum is at a moment where we have an opportunity… to draw in a wider statewide audience,” Thornock told commissioners.

The museum is working with a marketing firm to promote programs to audiences in Seattle, Spokane, the Tri-Cities and Yakima, she said.

The tours will focus heavily on regional history and culture, including programs developed in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and other cultural organizations.

Thornock said the program is expected to be revenue-neutral for the museum, with ticket sales covering operating costs while the grant supports upfront expenses such as marketing and program development.

The museum is currently preparing for a major expansion project expected to reopen in 2028, which Thornock said will allow the institution to expand exhibits and educational programming.

Port commissioners said the partial grant funding would allow the museum to launch the tours and return with data about their economic impact if it seeks additional support in the future.

Taken together, the two grants approved by the Port on March 10 show the intent of the Partners in Economic Development program and give insight to future applicants, now applying under the new guidelines beginning next year.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media