Rep. Newhouse Introduces Port of Benton Restriction Release Act

Statement

Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced H.R. 5017, the Port of Benton Restriction Release Act of 2016 to lift the conveyance restrictions on a 71.5 acre parcel of land that was deeded to the Port of Benton in 1996 by the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD). Rep. Newhouse released the following statement on introducing H.R. 5017:

"This legislation removes restrictions and barriers that have inhibited the Port's ability to develop this parcel of land for the economic benefit of the Tri-Cities region. In recent years, there has been an increase in economic activity near this property, including over $70 million in investments, the creation of the Manhattan Project National Historic Park, and the transfer of 1,641 acres of Hanford land back to the local communities for further economic and industrial development. The Port of Benton has targeted uses for this land that could yield significant economic growth and the creation of jobs for the local communities and for the region -- highlighting the importance of removing these deed restrictions. This legislation will release the remaining restrictions included in the original "Deed of Conveyance,' which will allow the Port and surrounding communities to continue their hard work to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and retain a skilled workforce in the area."

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