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The Winlock Planning Commission is seeking public input on the development of the Winlock Industrial Park as developers are preparing to take official steps to begin construction.
Located on N. Military Rd. between Winlock High School and I-5, efforts have been made to develop the area since 2008, with Lewis County Commissioners offering strong support as the location is far above the Chehalis River Basin and would not be shut down in the event of a large flood, such as those that have plagued the Chehalis and Centralia areas in recent years.
Development of the industrial park, along with neighboring Mickelsen Parkway, has been contingent upon the installation of utility lines from Winlock to the location (a project previously estimated to cost around $4 million), and, though the city has commissioned an engineering study for the project funded by a $200,000 grant from Lewis County, the acquisition of property for a pump station has reportedly held up the report.
With the study anticipated to be completed in the coming months, more deliberate efforts are being made to acquire funding for utility line construction, as well as approve plans for development of the area. A preliminary plat submitted in June by developer Benaroya shows a rough outline of where facilities are expected to be built, with roughly 10 structures expected to cover 322.4 acres.
It has been stated by Winlock officials in the past they hope development of the industrial park will help bring jobs to the area, as well as reduce the high sewer and water rates in town, which are currently the highest in Lewis County.
Those who wish to speak on the issue of the development may do so at a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in Winlock City Hall. For more information or for accommodations, call (360) 785-3811.
