Port of Pasco: Ribbon Cutting for New North Franklin Visitor Center

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new North Franklin Visitor’s Center will be held on August 23rd at 12:00 PM in Connell.  Officials from the City of Connell, Connell Chamber, and Port of Pasco will be on hand to officially open the Visitor’s Center.  The public is invited to attend to tour the new facility.  Light refreshments will be served.

The City of Connell, the Greater Connell Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Port of Pasco worked together to create the Visitor Center located at 661 S. Columbia Avenue.

Mayor Lee Barrow is credited with the vision for the facility.  “The Visitors Center is a great way to welcome people into town. It provides a rest break for travelers on Highway 395 and gives them the opportunity to learn about our city’s history, community events , local businesses and the other things that our city and surrounding areas have to offer.”

The building, previously a physician’s office, is owned by the City and was refurbished by the Port to accommodate this new use. It includes a lobby area, a small conference room which can hold up to 20 people, public restrooms, a small office for the Chamber and an outdoor deck.

Lauren Smith, Manager for the Chamber of Commerce stated “The Chamber of Commerce is excited to have a space to serve our businesses and community. We very much appreciate both the Port of Pasco and the City of Connell for considering the needs of the Chamber when designing the building plan. This will give us the ability for growth in years to come.”

Randy Hayden, Executive Director of the Port of Pasco explained the Port’s goal for the project, “The new center provides a way for visitors to discover the wonderful activities and businesses in this part of our Port district.”

The Port of Pasco will also be holding their bi-monthly Commissioners meeting in the Visitor’s Center conference room on the same day beginning at 10:30 AM.  They encourage interested citizens to attend to hear about other developments in the Port district.