May 1, 2014 · Exit133

Port of Tacoma Authorizes Preliminary Lease for Natural Gas Processing Plant

The Port of Tacoma commissioners today authorized a lease with Northwest Innovation Works, the investment group interested in building a natural gas processing plant on the site of the old Kaiser Aluminum Smelter site in the tide flats.

The lease has a "feasiblity period" built in, during which the investment partners can complete an in-depth analysis of the many factors involved in building such a facility.

The $1.8 ~~million~~ billion plant will ultimately employ 200 permanent workers, and create up to 1,000 temporary jobs at the peak of construction.

With the okay from the Port, NWIW can now begin the work of getting permits from the City of Tacoma and other agencies, and completing the more serious environmental and other feasibility studies needed before construction can get the green light.

Governor Inslee called the public-private partnership "another milestone for our state’s clean energy future." NWIW is "honored" to partner with the Port, and looks forward to a long relationship. We haven't yet seen an independent statement on either environmental or public safety impacts.

Read the full NWIW press release here. Also, previously from Exit133: $1.8 Billion Gas Conversion Plant Proposed for Old Kaiser Smelter Site

Filed under: Tacoma Business, Port of Tacoma

5 comments

Jesse May 1, 2014

As long as it doesn't stink.
nwcolorist May 1, 2014

Great news! Hope all goes well.
Sarah May 2, 2014

People should be worried about this. Isn't there concern regarding what the plant will look like and the safety of our city? There has been a lot of danger around natural gas lately. I kind of feel like people aren't aware of this, especially those who live closest to the Port of Tacoma in NE Tacoma.
ET May 2, 2014

If I'm not mistaken, I believe it is a $1.8 billion dollar project, and not $1.8 million as the article states.
- Exit133 staff May 2, 2014
  
  You are correct. Thanks for catching that.