Lamb Weston has taken its shuttered Connell plant off the market and plans to invest millions in its Pasco plant as it starts a new fiscal year with some signs of improving fortunes.

“Once we opened a brick-and-mortar location, we more or less doubled our clientele.”

The North American division of a Danish company that makes stone wool insulation from volcanic rock is awaiting state permits before building a $175 million plant south of Burbank.

A national egg producer continues to work toward opening its newest processing hub in Pasco and is looking for more farms to bring on board.

The Port of Walla Walla’s Wallula Gap Business Park near Burbank, just east of Pasco, is on the cusp of bringing new industries and jobs to the region. One industrial partner awaits final state permits to begin construction while another recently cleared a state regulatory hurdle.

The Port of Pasco’s industrial properties are retaining and drawing new tenants in everything from food processing to logistics. The Tri-Cities Airport has seen nothing but growing passenger counts for years. And it’s looking to the future with plans for developments connected to the agriculture industry and even becoming a player in the energy market.

To say Pasco has grown in recent years is an understatement, but momentum has slowed.

Early optimism from homebuilders and real estate agents has been dampened by construction worker shortages, tariffs, inflation and other financial pressures.

“The support for the nuclear industry and the need for power has never been greater.”

The Hanford site contractor that will operate the facility set to treat tens of millions of toxic waste stored in underground tanks has plans to lay off 733 workers on Oct. 16 if Congress has not reached a deal to fund the federal government.