The ports serving the Tri-Cities remain focused on nurturing economic development in the region and all three ports will welcome a new member to their boards of commissioners come Jan. 1 following their victories in the November general election. 

A wide range of development projects and facilities are underway and managed by the ports of Benton, Kennewick and Pasco – from airports and intermodal facilities to industrial parks and mixed-used developments – highlighting the diversity of their efforts.

The Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business reached out to the three commissioners-elect to learn more about their top priorities.

Here’s what they had to say:

Port of Benton: Bill O’Neil

Bill O’Neil

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? 

Off and on for 40 years

Current employment:

NASA engineer semi-retired, part-time experimental aircraft builder and test pilot.

What three things do you want to accomplish in your first year on the port board?

1. Drive investment into the Richland and Prosser airports striving to secure their future use. Increasing positive economic impacts to our communities.

2. Recruit local entrepreneurs and match them with port resources (properties and facilities) creating a path to success for small businesses.

3. Repair, rebuild trust and respect from our tenants and communities.

What is the biggest challenge facing the port?  

Given the rapid pace of technology and waning interest in becoming licensed pilots, our airports must take a proactive approach looking for what the future of aviation will look like and how the port can participate. 

What do you think is the port’s biggest opportunity right now?

The port has an abundance of resources both on and off airport properties. We must look to these resources as an opportunity to help create new businesses and community improvements.

What is most important or most exciting to you about the port’s current work?

What is most important to me is getting the port back to supporting local small businesses. The port’s resources should be used to create a path to success for local entrepreneurs, providing economic development and new jobs for our communities. 

Port of Kennewick: Raul Contreras Gonzalez

Raul Contreras Gonzalez

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?

Born and raised in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick) 

Current employment:

Assistant director, Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

What three things do you want to accomplish in your first year on the port board?  

I want to get fully adjusted and understand the responsibilities of serving in this role. There’s a big difference between observing meetings and actively participating in decisions that shape our community. I want to get adjusted quickly and serve the port to the best of my ability.

I want to ensure I’m representing the entire community. A key piece of advice I received at the statewide port conference was the importance of keeping your ear to the ground. I need to be present, showing up, and truly listening to the diverse voices our port represents.

Lastly, I want to stay up to date with the port’s full portfolio and long-term stability plans. The port’s work is incredibly valuable to our region, and I want to help ensure the Port of Kennewick remains strong and sustainable well into the future.

What is the biggest challenge facing the port?  

This year, the port faced unexpected environmental challenges at Vista Field with PFAS contamination. The staff had to act quickly, and it was impressive to see how effectively they responded to something unfamiliar and complex. While the fast action prevented further issues, it did delay Vista Field’s progress by another year, impacting an already long-term project. However, the team gained valuable expertise in managing this kind of situation, which will strengthen future efforts.

What do you think is the port’s biggest opportunity right now?  

The port has an opportunity to elevate tourism and recreation through assets like Columbia Gardens Wine & Artisan Village and the marina. Enhancing our waterfront and public spaces can generate new activity and attract more visitors. This is also a key opportunity for the port and the city to work together to further energize and elevate the downtown area.

What is most important or most exciting to you about the port’s current work? 

I’m especially excited about our continued focus on community experience. Columbia Gardens is truly a hidden gem, offering a great space to spend time with family and friends. With the addition of Wheat Head on the Water, I believe the area will attract even more visitors. I’m also looking forward to what Vista Field will become. The combination of an expanded convention center and the growth planned for Vista Field is going to be a powerful asset for our community, displaying a walkable and family-friendly area.

Port of Pasco: Matt Watkins

Matt Watkins

How long you’ve lived in the Tri-Cities? 

Born in Pasco, grew up in Kennewick and spent weekends and summers on the farm in Eltopia. I made my home in Pasco in 1995.

Current employment:

Owner of Watkins Endeavor LLC. Currently full-time consultant for Pasco Public Facilities District as executive director.

What three things do you want to accomplish in your first year on the port board? 

Learn the broad scope of the port’s holdings, revenue streams and expenses, relationships with community partners, and projects. Learn what staff does best, what they think the port could do better on, and what I and the other two commisioners might be able to do to help. 

What is the biggest challenge facing the port? 

Land availability and infrastructure. Recent additions of land to the Reimann Industrial Center will help, but the port needs even more land options to attract businesses to support the port’s mission.

What do you think is the port’s biggest opportunity right now? 

While the contours are maturing, I think the port’s Airport Aerospace Innovation and Manufacturing Center is exciting to add value to our existing airport and include itself in a growing market sector.

What is most important or most exciting to you about the port's current work? 

The Port of Pasco is and has been firing on all its cylinders in the past years with successes like completion of the largest dairy processing plant in the Pacific Northwest, Darigold; continued growth and success of what is now the third largest airport in the state; and a robust portfolio of developable property. This success has been from a clear set of guiding principles, professional and effective staff to do the work, and a community supportive of the port’s mission to improve the quality of life for its citizens. I want to be a commissioner that adds to that ongoing success.