Chelan County Calls on Regional Port to Withdraw its TIA Proposal

Chelan County commissioners are pressing the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority to withdraw its tax increment area (TIA) proposal for the Alcoa property in Malaga, citing overwhelming public opposition. The proposed TIA would divert $195. 7 million from essential local services, including roads and libraries, over a 25-year period. Commissioner Shon Smith noted that residents voiced strong disapproval during a recent hearing, emphasizing the need for the regional port to respect community concerns. The port's plan involves using taxpayer funds to clean up the former aluminum smelter site owned by Alcoa, a multinational corporation.

Commissioner Brad Hawkins criticized the proposal, stating it makes no sense to divert funds from critical services to benefit a billion-dollar company. The county has enacted a moratorium on new TIAs, prompting calls for a year-long community engagement process to discuss future proposals. Local officials stress that any future TIA should not harm other taxing districts. The regional port's actions have raised significant concerns about accountability and the proper use of public funds.