The Port of Kennewick Commission recently awarded a $3.4 million contract to Banlin Construction of Kennewick to build three winery buildings near the cable bridge.

The 3,900- to 4,200-square-foot buildings will provide production facilities and small tasting rooms at the Columbia Gardens Wine & Artisan Village on Columbia Drive.

In addition, the wine production areas will connect directly to the city of Kennewick’s city-managed winery-effluent wastewater system.

The project is expected to be complete for summer 2017 occupancy.

“This work is breathing new life in the downtown and adding additional opportunities,” said port CEO Tim Arntzen in a news release. “Linking Columbia Drive, Kennewick’s downtown and Clover Island will transform the historic waterfront into an exciting place.”

Ten construction bids were received with Banlin Construction LLC’s bid of $3,434,671, plus applicable sales tax, deemed as the lowest responsive bid. The commission awarded the contract last month.

The port rejected previous bids for the project in February after they came in $1 million higher than expected.

Located in an urban setting at the Columbia River shoreline, Columbia Gardens  will provide a gathering place, boutique wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants, shops, art and riparian wildlife along a scenic nature trail.

A selection committee is reviewing building tenant applications.

The committee will make recommendations to the board of commissioners, which will make a final determination on tenants by the end of this year.

The Port of Kennewick is a municipal corporation serving taxpayers in Kennewick, Richland, West Richland and portions of Benton City and unincorporated Benton County.