Big Bend Electric Co-operative is making sure it will be ready as the Port of Pasco’s Reimann Industrial Center continues to expand.

The Ritzville-based utility recently paid $2 million for 20 acres of currently agriculturally-zoned property near the intersection of West Vineyard Drive and North Railroad Avenue, according to property records.

The co-op already plans to build a new electrical substation on a portion of the acreage, located just north of Reimann, in the next few years. However, it anticipates there being much more need for infrastructure in the area in the not-too-distant future.

“Securing this property ensures we can continue delivering reliable power as the region grows,” said Kelly Haugh, the co-op’s community relations manager, in a statement. “Planning ahead is essential, and this site gives us the flexibility to build the infrastructure our members and local industries will need in the years ahead.”

Big Bend serves more than 11,000 customers across Franklin and Adams counties, with 2,500 miles of power lines stretching between Pasco and Ritzville. And it’s seen increasing demand for power as the northern reaches of Pasco are developed, particularly at the port’s industrial campus.

Reimann has attracted significant attention from manufacturers, processors and logistics entities. Darigold is its best-known tenant, having begun operation of its milk processing facility there in the fall of 2025. Its transportation partner, LTI Inc., plans to establish operations there as well.

Cold Summit, a cold storage facility provider, plans to develop facilities on two different lots. An undisclosed company is currently considering building a facility at the industrial center that would be part of an $18 million investment.

Interest in Reimann has been strong enough that the port has committed to spending a minimum of $20.8 million to more than double its size over the next four years.

Port officials closed a purchase and sale agreement with Pasco-based agriculture company Balcom & Moe in December for 321 acres adjacent to Reimann. Balcom & Moe sold the industrial park’s initial 300 acres to the port in 2019.