Its creation was approved by the voters of Grant County, Washington state, on November 4, 1958.

The port came into being on November 4, 1958 by the citizens of the Mattawa area.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the port district focused on industrial development.

[1] In 1997 the port purchased properties for business development.

[1] In 2008 the port received funding through loans and grants to create a wastewater facility for wine processing.