Articles by Robin Wojtanik
Apple action: New variety coming as tariff threats loom
As the state’s apple growers strategize to overcome international tariffs, they’re also looking ahead to introduce to the world a highly-anticipated variety — the Cosmic Crisp. The end of the 20 percent tariffs on apples shipped to Mexico in mid-May was welcome news to the state’s apple industry, which saw overall exports down 32.7 percent…
Tri-City leaders look to economy after Hanford
Tri-City leaders remain focused on efforts to diversify the economy, create jobs and expand employment sectors beyond Hanford and the roles offered by the U.S. Department of Energy and its contractors. “TRIDEC has made this a top priority for decades,” said David Reeploeg, vice president of federal programs at the Tri-City Development Council. The effort…
Vit plant ramps up for next phase
Round-the-clock staffing is in place at the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant as Bechtel National Inc. prepares to process low-activity waste by 2023, but possibly as soon as 2022. There hasn’t been 24/7 staffing at Hanford in more than 20 years. Earlier this year, the analytical laboratory at the plant entered its startup phase,…
Several major Hanford contracts to be awarded in late summer
Contracts worth tens of billions of dollars are being systematically awarded for work to be performed at Hanford, covering prime responsibilities at the nuclear waste site and operating under new models. “It’s an important and critical time for collaboration,” said Mark Heeter, public affairs specialist at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Richland Operations Office. This…
DOE looks to way to replace outgoing workers
Hanford’s workforce is made up of more professional support staff than engineers, scientists or technicians. More than 9,000 people are directly employed with efforts at the Hanford site, based on recent U.S. Department of Energy data. That’s more than the individual population of three neighboring cities: Prosser numbers 6,125, Connell 5,460, and Benton City 3,405.…
Lamb Weston expanding with $2.2M building
Lamb Weston is adding a potato storage building in Paterson to support its expanded operations across the Columbia River in Oregon. The new building is under construction at 158695 Highway 221 in Paterson. It is valued at $2.2 million and will have the capacity to hold 15,000 tons of potatoes. At the end of 2017,…
Kennewick company’s mounting lawsuits total $1.8M
Once named the U.S. Department of Energy’s Protégé of the Year, a Kennewick business and its founder are now facing three lawsuits and a tax warrant totaling nearly $2 million. Kristopher Lapp, i-3 Global president, is being sued in Benton County Superior Court for: $515,000 for a breach of contract by E2 Consulting Engineers Inc.…
Kennewick company faces $1.3M in lawsuits
Once named the U.S. Department of Energy’s Protégé of the Year, a Kennewick business and its founder are now facing two lawsuits and a tax warrant totaling more than $1 million owed. Kristopher Lapp, i-3 Global president, is being sued for breach of contract by Columbia State Bank, which alleges Lapp failed to pay back…
$15,000-plus in STEM Like Me! grants fuel STEM programs in Tri-City schools
More than $15,000 in STEM education grants are in use at Tri-City area schools, creating or supporting robotics clubs, aeroponic gardening and microscopic photography, among other projects. Tri-City teachers were invited to apply for the STEM Like ME! grants through the Washington State STEM Education Foundation, with selection help from the Dream Builder’s Education Foundation.…
$3.5 million in projects in works at Kadlec medical campus in Richland
Two construction projects totaling more than $3.5 million are getting underway on the Kadlec medical campus in Richland to meet patient demand for electrophysiology and gastroenterology services. One project involves adding a fifth catheterization lab to the main hospital building at 888 Swift Blvd. This will result in more resources for electrophysiology cardiology, known as…
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