In 1996, EPA deleted the Hanford 1100 Area from its list of hazardous waste sites. Seizing the opportunity to redevelop the site, DOE's Richland Operations Office and the Port of Benton began their effort to attract private industry before cleanup was complete. In March 1998, the DOE leased a portion of the Transportation Maintenance Building and rail yard to the Livingston Rebuild Center for a locomotive maintenance and repair facility. Soon after, 1.2 square miles of the Hanford 1100 Area were transferred to the Port of Benton, with 26 buildings and 16 miles of rail track at the southern end of the Hanford railroad. The area is now the nucleus for developing a regional transportation and industrial center linking the Tri-Cities region to resources nationwide.
Officials expect the rail hub to attract light and heavy industry.
Protected native seed supply for site restoration Now owned by the Port of Benton, the Hanford 1100 Area is spurring industrial development in the Tri-Cities region. The improved tax and wage base has reduced the community's dependence on DOE, and created new job and business opportunities for this community of 125,000 people. The cleanup protects water and other natural resources, and preserves cultural resources, such as the historically significant facilities and artifacts that will be part of the Hanford Site Manhattan Project and Cold War Era Historic District. EPA's partnership with DOE, WDOE, and the local community was key to the cleanup and redevelopment of the site. This cooperation was also crucial to bringing the Livingston Rebuild Center to the area.