The cities of
Richland,
Kennewick, and
Pasco located along the
Columbia River in
arid southeastern
Washington. Combined
population of approximately 191,000. The region is growing very quickly, spurred by increased
agriculture and low
electricity costs.
The area features numerous golf courses and wineries, a casino, and museums of pioneer history.
The cities are a major distribution point for local agricultural products, the most important of which include wine grapes, apples, potatoes, sugar beets, alfalfa, hat asparagus, beans, peas, tomatoes, melons, mint and lettuce. Agriculture was stimulated in the southeastern Washington region by the huge Columbia Basin Irrigation Project, the centerpiece of which is the Grand Coulee Dam.
The region features the lovely Hanford Nuclear Reservation, as well as a pulp mill. Agriculture-related industries, such as food packing plants, are a major part of the local economy. High-tech industries are a growing part of the mix. Very low electricity rates due to abundant hydropower are helping to stimulate and expand local industries.
The Tri-Cities are on Interstate 182 and Washington State Route 395. They connect into the national rail network, and are serviced by Amtrak's Empire Builder passenger line. The Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), as well as several other small airports, serve the area.
Sources:
Tri-city Industrial Development Council http://www.tridec.org/
City of Richland, WA http://www.ci.richland.wa.us/
City of Kennewick, WA http://www.ci.kennewick.wa.us/
City of Pasco, WA http://www.ci.pasco.wa.us/
Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau http://www.visittri-cities.com/