Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority receives 2024 Job Creator Award

WENATCHEE - The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority (CDRPA) has been honored with the 2024 Outstanding Job Creator Award by the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) for its role in attracting Microsoft data center projects to Chelan and Douglas counties.

The CDRPA's efforts have resulted in Microsoft investing approximately $2.4 billion in each county, marking the largest single private investments in the history of both counties. The data center projects are expected to generate substantial revenue that will be reinvested in local communities, promoting sustainable economic development and ensuring job availability for years to come.

Each data center will create around 75 jobs per building, with six buildings planned for each county site. The projects have also had a significant impact on the local economy, with investments in infrastructure such as the Malaga waterline, which will support further residential and commercial development in the area.

"Data centers will provide family-wage jobs without overloading the community with new residents," said Commissioner Mark Spurgeon.

The CDRPA collaborated extensively with local government partners to attract and support these projects. The Port made substantial contributions and investments throughout the process, including strategic land acquisitions and the construction of essential infrastructure.

"In addition to the jobs being created, Microsoft has funded millions of dollars in upgrading the Malaga water system that will allow additional growth in the community," said Commissioner Donn Etherington. "None of this would have been possible without the vision, commitment, and hard work of the Port staff, engineers, attorneys, and our community partners."

The CDRPA, the first of its kind in Washington, functions as the principal economic development agency for Chelan and Douglas counties. The Port Authority expressed its gratitude for the WPPA's prestigious recognition of its efforts to enhance the economic vitality of North Central Washington.