INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP ZONE Washington State IPZ Program

In 2006, the State of Washington announced its interest in creating a state Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ) program with the potential of designation and access to various types of state funding.   The Tri-Cities Development Council (TRIDEC) submitted a concept study about how an IPZ would benefit the Tri-Cities and suggested many zone characteristics which were incorporated in legislation which was approved by the Washington Legislature in 2007.   The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) administers the state's Innovation Partnership Zone program.   Following the approval of the legislation, CTED designed an application process and called for formal applications.   The Port of Benton applied on behalf of the Research District partners.

The Tri-Cities Innovation Partnership Zone was designated by Washington Governor Chris Gregoire as one of 11 newly-designated zones on October 1, 2007. On April 1, 2008, the Tri-Cities IPZ received a $275,000 grant from the State of Washington for planning and implementation for needed capital improvements and infrastructure development.   Ten percent of the grant may be used for startup administrative activities.