Pacific County Economic Development Council is working to create a plan for an 鈥渋ndustry cluster鈥� of business and educational resources that specifically addresses their growing marine services sector. This cluster would bring together marine and maritime-dependent businesses, innovators, and educators for local sourcing of expertise necessary to support modern vessel maintenance and operations.
Attention will focus on Port of Willapa Harbor properties (South Bend Boat, Nettleson鈥檚 building, Bendiksen鈥檚 Landing, Tokeland Marina, South Fork lands and wharf, Raymond dock) where a regional 鈥渉ub鈥� of marine services could be centered. The plan will also explore collaboration with Grays Harbor College, local Raymond and South Bend High Schools, UW Washington Sea Grant for marine services education and job development programs, and regional coastal counties for RISE grant funding (US Economic Development Agency).