Business space, new flights and medical transport anchor Port update

WENATCHEE — More room for small businesses, new connections through Portland and a permanent home for emergency medical aircraft highlighted the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority’s fall update to community partners Oct. 28.

CEO Jim Kuntz outlined progress on the Trades District expansion, Pangborn Memorial Airport’s new daily Portland service and a completed Airlift Northwest facility during the Port’s Partners in Economic Development event.

The projects reflect the Port’s role in making investments intended to strengthen the regional economy, Kuntz said, describing Chelan and Douglas counties as a shared market whose residents cross the Columbia River daily for work and other activities.

At the Trades District in East Wenatchee, the first phase’s 12 small businesses filled the available space within five months of opening. The development offers flexible commercial space and a five-year rent structure that gradually increases lease rates as businesses establish themselves.

Kuntz said a waiting list and the first phase’s reception have encouraged commissioners to pursue an expansion. The Port hired Spokane-based ALSC Architects to design Phase II, which would provide approximately 29,500 square feet across three buildings, with 13 potential business units.

The board selected a design called the Gateway concept, combining retail, hospitality and industrial spaces with a central public gathering area. Kuntz said tenants in the first phase had asked for public space as the district began attracting people who came to gather as well as shop.

“One of the things we’re trying to do in Phase 2, and tenants in Phase 1 talk to us about, [is] can we get some public space? Because it’s starting to be a gathering spot,” he said.

Kuntz described the expansion as an approximately $20 million project. Design development is underway, and the Port is pursuing funding.

At Pangborn, daily Alaska Airlines service to Portland launched Oct. 3, adding a third daily round trip alongside the airport’s two Seattle flights.

Kuntz emphasized the midday departure and connections to West Coast destinations, saying the route offers travelers another way to reach markets including California, Arizona and Nevada.

The service is supported by a two-year revenue guarantee totaling approximately $1.15 million, including a $750,000 federal Small Community Air Service grant and $401,395 in local matching funds. The Port’s share of the local match is $114,220, with other contributions coming from the business community. The Port also committed $50,000 to marketing the route.

Kuntz said studies indicate the regional market could support seven daily round trips. More than 80% of the market’s travelers currently use other airports, he said, leaving room to grow Pangborn service without undermining its existing Seattle connections.

The Port will continue seeking additional routes, including potential leisure service operating less frequently than daily to destinations such as Phoenix or Las Vegas.

“We think our market is really set up for leisure travel,” Kuntz said.

The third project highlighted was Airlift Northwest’s new $6.2 million facility at Pangborn, designed to house a helicopter and fixed-wing airplane, along with flight crew quarters, education space and equipment storage.

The Wenatchee base undertakes approximately 362 flights annually, according to the presentation. Its crews transport adult and pediatric patients, including critically ill patients requiring cardiac assist devices or mechanical life support.

The project received $4.85 million in state Department of Commerce grants, with the remaining investment coming from Port reserves and a $1 million general obligation bond.

Kuntz said securing a permanent facility helps keep those emergency transport resources in the valley and supports access to higher levels of care elsewhere in the region.

A ribbon-cutting celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 20, 2026. Those planning to attend can RSVP to Brooke Lammert at brooke@cdrpa.org.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media