According to the port, the new business park will encompass about 70 acres and more than 500,000 square feet of space when built-out.
“We expect the Spencer Creek Business Park to attract new commercial, office/flex and light-industrial businesses to the region providing more family wage jobs here,” said Mark Wilson, the Port of Kalama’s executive director. “The development of this business center … support[s] our strategy for economic growth in the Cowlitz region and position Kalama as a relocation destination for diverse industries.”
The port worked with the city to craft a new city code that focuses on enabling flexible development while providing predictable quality of infrastructure, landscaping and buildings.
“This annexation offers terrific benefits to the city and our residents as it expands Kalama’s tax base,” said Kalama Mayor Pete Poulsen. “We can expect a substantial economic impact and additional funds for important city projects going forward. This partnership between the city and the port offers an excellent example of what can be accomplished with a shared common vision for the future of this fine community.”
The port also plans to replace and expand the community’s fairgrounds and athletic fields on its property to the east. Haydu Park will include 24 acres of fairgrounds and baseball and soccer fields up from the current eight acres. The park will also include access to several thousand feet of Kalama River frontage.
“In addition to the new business park, the impact of the new Haydu Park cannot be understated for its impact in addressing Kalama’s need for additional sports and recreation space,” added Wilson. “And, with the increased space, sports clubs will have the facilities to host team tournaments from all over the region which will increase destination tourism and revenues to the area.”
