BY PEPPER FISHER

Port Angeles – There’s ample reason to believe that Amazon still intends to build a large distribution center in the Port Angeles area in the near future. That’s despite the cancelation of last year’s plan to construct a 35,000 square foot warehouse and distribution facility on Airport Road on Port of Port Angeles property near Fairchild airport because of onerous federal environmental requirements.

When asked about information we received that Amazon had another property in mind in the Port Angeles area, the Port’s Director of Economic development, Caleb McMahon, told KONP, “We have spoken to Amazon about other locations on Port Property, but they would have been subject to the same FAA regulations that caused the initial issue. As you know, while lease money is great for the Port, our main goal is to help create investments and jobs for the community. So, in order to keep the deal alive, Amazon has been forced to look for options not on Port property as to not fall under a disproportionate amount of regulation. The Port is continuing to assist Amazon with their location however possible.”

And the Port’s Executive Director Paul Jarkiewicz, told us in an email, “We are doing everything we can to keep them in the community, whether it’s on Port property, or another location. Either is a win for creating jobs!”

Finally, a spokesperson at Amazon said, “Right now, the best I can do is tell you that our comment from December stands – that our intention is to open a local operations facility in the future – so we’re able to provide better service and faster delivery to customers in Port Angeles. As more becomes available to share, we will be sure to circle up with you.”

Bottom line at this point; Amazon appears to have located a property in our area they like. If they can close a deal, their previous intention was to build a new facility in a matter of a few months that would employ around 70 people.

Stay tuned.