City of Kalama—in Strategic Alliance with Port of Kalama--Earns 2014 Governor’s Smart Communities Award for New East Port Mixed Use District

Vancouver, Wash., (July 30, 2014) —Strategic long term thinking and collaborative partnerships were essential to the City of Kalama’s and Port of Kalama’s award-winning approach to new policy development and annexation of 260 acres of Port property for both business and recreational purposes. Governor Jay Inslee tapped Kalama’s East Port annexation for a 2014 Governor’s Smart Communities Award as a prime example of smart growth planning for its contribution to quality of life in Washington State. The annexation will make way for the Spencer Creek Business Park and a new recreational facility, Haydu Park, including the Kalama Fairgrounds. The multi-use business property is expected to boost the area’s economy and job opportunities while strengthening the City’s revenue base.

“This annexation offers terrific benefits to the city and our residents as it expands Kalama’s tax base. We can expect a substantial economic impact and additional funds for important city projects going forward,” said Mayor Pete Poulsen, City of Kalama. “This partnership between the City and the Port offers an excellent example of what can be accomplished with a shared common vision for the future of this fine community.”

The Port and the City worked with environmental engineering and planning consultants Maul Foster & Alongi and the Miller Nash law firm to craft new City Code that will enable flexible development, while providing predictable quality of infrastructure, landscaping and buildings. When built-out, the Spencer Creek Business Park will encompass about 70 acres and 3 million square feet of space.

Maul Foster & Alongi (MFA) led the multi-phased planning effort to assist with the East Port annexation. The MFA team conducted a feasibility study analyzing land use, economic, environmental, and public and private infrastructure issues. Work involved land use and infrastructure permitting, new policy development, public involvement with the local community, and assistance with negotiation and preparation of development agreements. MFA’s team included Elesco, WEST Consultants, HDJ, Archaeological Investigations Northwest, and Ecological Land Services.

About Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc.

Maul Foster & Alongi, (MFA) is an employee-owned Pacific Northwest environmental consulting firm. In operation since 1996, MFA has grown to 80 staff with offices in Vancouver, Seattle, and Bellingham, Washington; Kellogg, Idaho; and Portland, Oregon. MFA offers integrated environmental science, engineering, planning, and geographic information systems consulting services. MFA has served a diverse client base including private business and industry, ports, municipalities, and Native American tribes. MFA is committed to contributing to the prosperity of its clients and the communities in which it works. Detailed information can be found at: www.maulfoster.com. (360) 694-2691.

#####