10/13/2026
Important Announcement to Investors! The Port of Centralia has been chosen to participate for a second time in a federal tax incentive program! Here is what you need to know:
• Who:
Gov. Bob Ferguson submitted the nominations, representing 27 counties and 17 tribal lands, to the U.S. Treasury Department. There were 152 applicants, and the Port of Centralia will be one of 99 economic “Opportunity Zones” in the state selected to benefit from the second edition of a federal program. The Port of Centralia’s census tract was chosen because of its strong potential to attract private investment, support new development, and create jobs in Lewis County.
• What:
Opportunity Zones (OZs) are federally designated tracts meant to spur investment in undercapitalized communities. A revised program is being rolled out, designating new opportunity zones, referred to as Opportunity Zones 2.0 (OZ 2.0). OZ's have shown to spark private investment across an array of low-income communities. It’s estimated that investments across this first round of designations are a staggering $90-100 billion across 5,600 low-income neighborhoods in the U.S.
• When:
The port announced its selection Friday morning Oct. 9th,2026, and the new designations will take effect January 1, 2027.
• Where:
The industrial park on the west side of town was selected to participate in the Opportunity Zones 2.0 program.
• Why:
Opportunity Zone designation is expected to make Port properties more attractive to companies looking to expand or locate in Lewis County. The designation provides additional incentives for private investment in planned industrial and commercial development, supporting projects that can create family-wage jobs, improve infrastructure, strengthen the local economy, and expand the tax base. “We have available land and a workforce ready to support new opportunities,” said Port Commissioner Ally Pickard. “This designation helps put Lewis County on the map for future investment.” The Port of Centralia remains committed to creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and investing in projects that benefit the community for generations to come.
• Incentives:
o Provides a 30% step-up benefit for investments in a rural OZ.
o Reduces the “substantial improvement” threshold for qualifying projects in rural OZs from 100% to 50%.
o Opportunity zones (OZs) were established with the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and are a federal tax incentive program providing capital gains tax benefits to investors in designated census tracts. Investors defer/reduce capital gains taxes by investing in Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs).
• How RB Engineering can help:
As Centralia and surrounding areas continue to attract investment and new development opportunities, RB Engineering is proud to support the growth of our local community. Our civil engineering team helps bring projects to life through thoughtful site planning, infrastructure design, and permitting services that prepare properties for successful development. We’re committed to helping businesses invest, grow, and create lasting opportunities throughout Lewis County.
If you would like to view the entire interactive opportunity zone map, click this link:
 https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/035ad15299ae4a25ac7585d4d23ec309/page/All-Census-Tracts
• Sources:
o The Chronicle Article:
 https://www.chronline.com/stories/opportunity-zones-port-of-centralia-chosen-to-participate-for-second-time-in-federal-tax,409752
o WA State Department of Commerce:
 https://www.commerce.wa.gov/opportunity-zones/
o Port of Centralia Press Release:
 https://portofcentralia.com/press-release/press-release-port-of-centralia-opportunity-zone-designation-opens-door-for-new-investment-and-jobs/
