Government https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/rss en-us Design West reaches $1.85 million settlement in Moses Lake school dispute ty@tcjournal.biz The Tri-Cities architecture firm sued by Moses Lake School District over the construction of the district’s newest elementary school will pay $1.85 million to help cover the cost of fixing problems with the building. The Tri-Cities architecture firm sued by Moses Lake School District over the construction of the district’s newest elementary school will pay $1.85 million to help cover the cost of fixing problems with the building. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8138 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/8138-design-west-reaches-settlement-in-moses-lake-school-dispute Moses-Lake-Groff Public invited to comment on plan to possibly triple logging in eastern Oregon national forests abaumhardt@americanpublicmedia.org http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8137 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/public-invited-to-comment-on-plan-to-possibly-triple-logging-in-eastern-oregon-national-forests Logging Supreme Court ruling allows port recall effort to proceed rachel@tcjournal.biz A recall targeting all three Port of Benton commissioners moves forward after a Supreme Court ruling. The attorney for the port's executive director on paid leave since January alleges retaliation. A recall targeting all three Port of Benton commissioners moves forward after a Supreme Court ruling. The attorney for the port's executive director on paid leave since January alleges retaliation.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8111 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/8111-supreme-court-port-recall Port-of-Benton-Office Port HR consultant flags unfinished work in exit report rachel@tcjournal.biz The Port of Benton’s contract with an HR consultant has ended, and the consultant’s exit report highlights both progress made in strengthening the port’s culture and processes, and changes still needed. The Port of Benton’s contract with an HR consultant has ended, and the consultant’s exit report highlights both progress made in strengthening the port’s culture and processes, and changes still needed.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8103 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/8103-port-hr-consultant-exit-report Port-of-Benton-Office Kennewick council zeroes in on City Hall site, putting museum at risk ty@tcjournal.biz Kennewick council members are leaning toward a City Hall site that could displace the Museum at Keewaydin. It’s the latest development in the city’s ongoing search for a new home. Kennewick council members are leaning toward a City Hall site that could displace the Museum at Keewaydin. It’s the latest development in the city’s ongoing search for a new home.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8095 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/8095-kennewick-council-zeroes-in-on-city-hall-site-putting-museum-at-risk Kennewick-Town-Hall County misstated finances by hundreds of millions, state audit finds ty@tcjournal.biz Turnover and a compressed timeline led to financial reporting errors at Benton County, a new state audit finds, including a 2024 report that contained 2022 data. Turnover and a compressed timeline led to financial reporting errors at Benton County, a new state audit finds, including a 2024 report that contained 2022 data.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8094 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/8094-county-audit Audit Stock Fired BFT CEO ruled eligible for unemployment benefits ty@tcjournal.biz Ben Franklin Transit won’t contest unemployment benefits for its fired CEO after the state found no misconduct in his termination. Ben Franklin Transit won’t contest unemployment benefits for its fired CEO after the state found no misconduct in his termination.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8093 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/drozt-unemployment-benefits Thomas Drotz Feature As America turns 250, contest renews focus on civics awareness In a milestone year for American democracy, the National Civics Bee is encouraging students nationwide to understand how government – and citizenship – really works. It’s a good lesson for all us. In a milestone year for American democracy, the National Civics Bee is encouraging students nationwide to understand how government – and citizenship – really works. It’s a good lesson for all us.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8083 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/awb-july-2026 KrisJohnson_2026.jpg Port of Pasco declares emergency over deteriorating rail crossing ty@tcjournal.biz An engineering assessment found the Port of Pasco's Oregon Avenue rail crossing is deteriorating, prompting an emergency declaration to speed up repairs.

An engineering assessment found the Port of Pasco's Oregon Avenue rail crossing is deteriorating, prompting an emergency declaration to speed up repairs.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8081 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/port-of-pasco-declares-emergency Railroad-Crossing Pasco offers Volunteer Park, $13M for sports complex ty@tcjournal.biz The city of Pasco is keen to secure its continued access to the Pasco Sporting Complex, which it built on Franklin County land more than 30 years ago, and appears willing to give up another park to get it. The city of Pasco is keen to secure its continued access to the Pasco Sporting Complex, which it built on Franklin County land more than 30 years ago, and appears willing to give up another park to get it.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8080 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/8080-pasco-offers-volunteer-park-13m-for-sports-complex Pasco-Sporting Richland Public Facilities District taps veteran community leader as director ty@tcjournal.biz The Richland Public Facilities District has named a new executive director with more than two decades of experience in community development and public policy. The Richland Public Facilities District has named a new executive director with more than two decades of experience in community development and public policy.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8079 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/rpfd-new-executive-director Davin Diaz $51.3M deal advances Atlas Agro’s fertilizer plant, data center plans rachel@tcjournal.biz A Swiss company’s plans for a zero-carbon fertilizer plant and a data center north of Richland are moving forward despite citizens voicing concerns about the projects. A Swiss company’s plans for a zero-carbon fertilizer plant and a data center north of Richland are moving forward despite citizens voicing concerns about the projects. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8066 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/deal-advances-atlas-agros-fertilizer-plant Atlas-Agro-fertilizer-plant-rendering A rare look at the lab driving Hanford’s cleanup rachel@tcjournal.biz Hanford’s 222-S Laboratory celebrates 75 years as nuclear waste cleanup accelerates and DOE moves toward a new operating contract. Hanford’s 222-S Laboratory celebrates 75 years as nuclear waste cleanup accelerates and DOE moves toward a new operating contract.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8065 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/222-s-lab-turns-75 222S-Laboratory Pasco adopts rules for short-term rentals ty@tcjournal.biz Pasco property owners offering unused guest rooms or homes as short-term rentals will face some standard operating requirements from the city starting Jan. 1. Pasco property owners offering unused guest rooms or homes as short-term rentals will face some standard operating requirements from the city starting Jan. 1.


]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8063 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/pasco-short-term-rentals Pasco Short Term Rentals WA AG settles with Cash App over unemployment benefits fraud A popular smartphone app used for sending and receiving money will pay nearly $22 million to settle investigations regarding fraudulent unemployment benefit deposits and failures to protect consumers from fraud. A popular smartphone app used for sending and receiving money will pay nearly $22 million to settle investigations regarding fraudulent unemployment benefit deposits and failures to protect consumers from fraud. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8134 Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/wa-ag-settles-with-cash-app-over-unemployment-benefits-fraud glasses-1052023_1280 (1).jpg Richland recognized for excellent financial management The city of Richland has received an award for excellence in financial reporting and budgeting for its fiscal year 2024. The city of Richland has received an award for excellence in financial reporting and budgeting for its fiscal year 2024.  

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8133 Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/richland-recognized-for-excellent-financial-management Richland City Hall WA ecology officials laud Kennewick affordable housing project An affordable housing project in east Kennewick is among a handful state ecology officials are lifting up as an example of the good that comes from redeveloping formerly contaminated land. An affordable housing project in east Kennewick is among a handful state ecology officials are lifting up as an example of the good that comes from redeveloping formerly contaminated land. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8112 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/wa-ecology-officials-laud-kennewick-affordable-housing-project Hammer-Lofts-affordable-housing These 3 WA communities now need state approval for election rule changes jgoldsteinstreet@washingtonstatestandard.com For the first time, three Washington state local governments, including Pasco, will need the state’s OK before implementing new voting policies due to their histories of diluting the power of Latino voters. For the first time, three Washington state local governments, including Pasco, will need the state’s OK before implementing new voting policies due to their histories of diluting the power of Latino voters. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8105 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/these-3-wa-communities-now-need-state-approval-for-election-rule-changes Pasco-City-Hall Pasco seeks farmers market, specialty kitchen operator The city of Pasco is seeking proposals for the management and operation of two city-owned programs and facilities. The city of Pasco is seeking proposals for the management and operation of two city-owned programs and facilities.  

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8098 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/pasco-seeks-farmers-market-specialty-kitchen-operator Pasco Farmers Market AWB releases 2026 legislative endorsements The state’s leading business advocacy organization has identified the current and hopeful state lawmakers for the Mid-Columbia it believes will best serve employers. The state’s leading business advocacy organization has identified the current and hopeful state lawmakers for the Mid-Columbia it believes will best serve employers. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8091 Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/awb-releases-2026-legislative-endorsements Olympia Washington governor, AG and state lawmakers get 7% pay hikes A lawmaker now earns $72,494, roughly $10,000 more than two years ago. Leaders of the four caucuses continue to receive a stipend for added responsibilities. A lawmaker now earns $72,494, roughly $10,000 more than two years ago. Leaders of the four caucuses continue to receive a stipend for added responsibilities. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8089 Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/washington-governor-ag-and-state-lawmakers-get-7-pay-hikes WA senate lawmakers Legislature Olympia Western governors establish multi-state task force to update the region’s transmission lines A bipartisan group of 11 Western governors, including Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, signed a letter endorsing the establishment of a multi-state task force to develop a study and action plan to update the region’s energy grid. A bipartisan group of 11 Western governors, including Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, signed a letter endorsing the establishment of a multi-state task force to develop a study and action plan to update the region’s energy grid. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8088 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/8088-western-governors-establish-multi-state-task-force-to-update-the-regions-transmission-lines Power Pole Farm labor contractor faces fines for worker violations ty@tcjournal.biz A farm labor contracting company that manages workers at farms in Benton and Franklin counties, and connected to two other operations under state and federal scrutiny, is facing $700,000 in fines for farmworker violations. A farm labor contracting company that manages workers at farms in Benton and Franklin counties, and connected to two other operations under state and federal scrutiny, is facing $700,000 in fines for farmworker violations. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8077 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/farm-labor-contractor-faces-fines-for-worker-violations Farm worker Nation’s first state-run long-term care insurance program about to launch in WA It’s a landmark moment for the endeavor known as WA Cares, envisioned as a means to help Washington’s workforce afford long-term care and services as they age. It’s a landmark moment for the endeavor known as WA Cares, envisioned as a means to help Washington’s workforce afford long-term care and services as they age.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8072 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/nations-first-state-run-long-term-care-insurance-program-about-to-launch-in-wa Nurse_PatientConsult Hanford 2024 Caretaker helps senior patients sign homecare agreement, fill informed exam consent, understand test result or health insurance details. Grandparents discuss professional home care nurse service costs WA offering waived penalties after sales tax changes If the state’s recent expansion of sales tax-subject services has your business facing some penalties, some help could be available to you. If the state’s recent expansion of sales tax-subject services has your business facing some penalties, some help could be available to you. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8059 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/wa-offering-waived-penalties-after-sales-tax-changes Capitol-in-Olympia-with-Sun Traffic safety improvements coming to Richland streets The city of Richland this summer will add features aimed at slowing traffic on three sections of road throughout the city as part of its ongoing Neighborhood Traffic Safety program.  ]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8058 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/traffic-safety-improvements-coming-to-richland-streets Richland City Hall Ecology seeks feedback on expanded Hanford cleanup permit The state Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on a draft renewal of the Hanford sitewide permit, which would cover 52 waste sites and facilities at the Hanford nuclear site. The state Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on a draft renewal of the Hanford sitewide permit, which would cover 52 waste sites and facilities at the Hanford nuclear site. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8057 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/ecology-seeks-feedback-on-expanded-hanford-cleanup-permit Hanford Map WA Commerce awards $2.5M for Franklin County renewable natural gas facility A $70 million project to install an anaerobic digester to convert dairy cow manure to renewable natural gas at a Franklin County dairy just got a financial boost from the state. A $70 million project to install an anaerobic digester to convert dairy cow manure to renewable natural gas at a Franklin County dairy just got a financial boost from the state. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8054 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/wa-commerce-awards-25m-for-franklin-county-renewable-natural-gas-facility With cracks showing in WA economy, Ferguson forms new council to look for fixes jgoldsteinstreet@washingtonstatestandard.com The 26-member council, which includes Columbia Basin College president Rebekah Woods, will serve as a venue for “candid discussions,” Ferguson said, adding that he plans to attend every quarterly meeting. The Democratic governor said Washington hasn’t convened such a panel in two decades. The 26-member council, which includes Columbia Basin College president Rebekah Woods, will serve as a venue for “candid discussions,” Ferguson said, adding that he plans to attend every quarterly meeting. The Democratic governor said Washington hasn’t convened such a panel in two decades.

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8052 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/ferguson-forms-new-econ-council-to-look-for-fixes Capitol The tab to keep a Pacific Northwest coal plant on standby keeps rising. Who will pay? The Alberta-based owner of the Centralia facility has proposed to split the tab for keeping the plant ready between Bonneville Power Administration and CAISO, the manager of California’s wholesale electric grid. The Alberta-based owner of the Centralia facility has proposed to split the tab for keeping the plant ready between Bonneville Power Administration and CAISO, the manager of California’s wholesale electric grid. 

]]> http://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/8050 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 21:00:00 -0400 https://tricitiesbusinessnews.epublishing.net/articles/the-tab-to-keep-a-pacific-northwest-coal-plant-on-standby-keeps-rising-who-will-pay Coal-Plant