PORT ANGELES – The Port of Port Angeles has taken a giant leap forward in it’s plan to transform the former K-Ply Mill site into a Marine Trades Industrial Park that will create an estimated 250 jobs in the next 5 years.

Washington State’s Community Economic Revitalization Board (or CERB) just approved the Port’s loan/grant application for $1.3 million to fund construction of an 18,500 square foot boat wash-down facility. Those CERB funds are matched by another $1.3 contributed by the Port.

Port director of Engineering Chris Hartman says now that the money has been approved, they’re not wasting any time.

Initially, the wash-down facility will be used by existing tenants Platypus Marine and Westport Yachts, but as the 18-acre Industrial Park is developed, future tenants will be able to use it as well.