This deal, says the site, will provide ATC with 96 acres at the port’s industrial site to build an OTR tyre manufacturing facility. According to port manager Mike Wren, the port is currently attempting to secure $5.5 million for infrastructure improvements to this and other property to help convince the tyre company and others to build at the port’s industrial site. The funds are already trickling in; on Nov. 6 the Ephrata City Council, despite facing a tough budget year, pledged $100,000 to the project, said Wes Crago, Ephrata city manager.
The funding is conditional on a final deal with American Tire, said Crago. “From our perspective, what we could get out of that investment is several times what we’d put in. Financially, there’s no question that it makes sense for the city.”
According to Mike Wren, both the port and American Tire are working toward closing the deal as soon as April.“ They say they’d like to be under construction this summer. That’s pretty aggressive,” he said, “but could be done if they get the necessary permits.” The port manager said that infrastructure improvements would be shared with the company. The port is looking to upgrade about three miles of roads, and extend water and sewer lines, bringing them closer to, but not all the way, to the property.
Wren added that, in addition to the city’s pledge for funds, the port district has applied for a $200,000 grant and loan from Grant County’s strategic infrastructure program, and $460,000 worth of railroad improvements from the state Department of Transportation. If both are granted, the Port of Ephrata would take on $165,000 in loans.
Support from the city, county, state and port, and the promise of new jobs, could convince others to help fund the project, said Wren. “The next economic stimulus package is going to be all about funding projects that make jobs.”
Wren said American Tire Corp. is talking about a facility that would cost $300 million to $500 million to build, and 300 new jobs to start, with the potential to grow. (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)
