State awards $200,000 grant to Port of Shelton

The Mason County Economic Development Council announces the Port of Shelton has been awarded a $200,000 Industrial Site Readiness Grant by the state Department of Commerce. The grant will fund wastewater engineering studies for the Port of Shelton’s development of Johns Prairie Industrial Park, a 400-acre industrial site northeast of the City of Shelton within the Shelton Urban Growth Area.

“Expanding the sewer system at this business park represents more than mere infrastructure development; it symbolizes a catalyst for revitalization. By moving forward with sewer capacity and conveyance work, the project creates potential job opportunities, invigorating the local economy and fostering community prosperity, ultimately stimulating business development, spawning a virtuous cycle of growth and opportunity,” Wendy Smith, Port of Shelton executive director said in a news release.

MasonEDC has identified infrastructure needs across the community that will help Mason County compete for development opportunities. With this grant, community partners can undertake the necessary improvements to make Mason County more appealing to companies looking to invest and bring jobs to the local economy.

"The Johns Prairie Industrial Park is primed to support economic development in Mason County. This project will bring confidence to investors that the port is proactive in its business recruitment efforts for this site and that the community has the partnerships needed to support growth," said Kevin Shutty, executive director of the Mason County Economic Development Council. Work will get underway this year with expected completion by June.