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City Information:

Richland, located in Benton County, is situated at the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima rivers in an area known as the mid-Columbia basin. Located on interstate highways 182 and 82, Richland and the nearby communities of Pasco, Kennewick and West Richland comprise the area known as the Tri-Cities. The city of Richland has a population of 41,650, and the Tri-Cities metropolitan area has a population of 205,200.

Richland was originally known as Chemna by Chemnapum Indians who lived at the mouth of the Yakima River (which they called Tapteal). Richland was first officially incorporated as a city of the fourth class in 1910. Farming remained the prime industry until World War II when government surveyors arrived and announced that the federal government was assuming ownership of the area. By 1943, the Manhattan District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had acquired the towns of Richland, Hanford and White Bluffs, designated the area as the Hanford Atomic Works, and began the development of the atomic bomb. In 1944, the first reactor began operation at the Hanford Project. Camp Hanford’s population peaked at 51,000, and spanned not quite two years until its abandonment in February 1945. In 1948, the City of Richland was officially dissolved, and was reincorporated in 1958. The economy continues to benefit from Hanford, a vital research center, although the last production reactor closed in 1988.

The Columbia, Snake and Yakima rivers surrounding Richland provide many miles of water ideally suited for skiing, power boating, sailing and fishing. Richland residents in search of recreation and relaxation have a choice of 46 beautiful city parks. The Richland community has a variety of shopping areas and a downtown Three Rivers Arts & Entertainment District. Offerings of artistic venues including the new Battelle Performing Arts Center, the Mid-Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Mid-Columbia Regional Ballet and the Three Rivers Children’s Museum and Heritage Arts Center are an integral part of the city’s decision to enhance Richland’s quality of life.

Richland School District encompasses the cities of Richland and West Richland. The district has about 9,800 students in eight elementary schools, three middle schools, two senior high schools, and an alternative high school. Higher education is represented by Columbia Basin College and Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities, a gateway to Washington State University, a premier research university.

For more information about Richland, visit:
City of Richland: http://www.ci.richland.wa.us/
Richland Chamber of Commerce: http://www.richlandchamberofcomm.com