The Port of Grays Harbor, after initially being cool to the potential of the cannabis business, has leased a 50,000 square foot warehouse at the Satsop Business Park for an indoor marijuana growing facility.

Commissioners on Tuesday approved a five-year lease, with options for another 45 years, to a company called Fuller Hill Development Co. LLC, a subsidiary of Global Real Estate Properties LLC, reportedly part of the business enterprise that is the largest recreational marijuana grower in the state.

The facility is expected to provide 70 full time jobs and the company plans an estimated $6.5 million in improvements to the facility, the Port said.

The action comes a week after commissioners amended the Port’s lease policy to allow the cultivation and production of cannabis on Port property.

“The Satsop Business Park is a natural fit for this emerging industry with its unique location and robust infrastructure,” explained Port Commission President Jack Thompson. “We commend Port staff on the research and hard work they put into learning about the industry.”

The building is expected to be operational early in 2017. The lease includes nine 5-year options with the Fuller Hill Development Co., which is expected to start making improvements immediately, including installation of a fire suppression system, major power upgrades to the warehouse, and installation of a high-capacity heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

Global Real Estate Properties, through its subsidiary Fuller Hill Development Co., built the facility that houses the state’s number one producer and processor of recreational cannabis, Northwest Cannabis Solutions. That operation, in Thurston County, in only two years employs more than 167 full time workers. Global Real Estate, Northwest Cannabis Solutions and Fuller Hill Development Co. all share common ownership, the Port said in a news release.

“The assets, infrastructure and people at the Satsop Business Park, including warehouse space, power, water, and the excellent staff, are well-suited to our needs,” said Arkadi Gontmakher, President of Global Real Estate Properties. “Our decision to build out a facility at the park was an easy one, and we are hopeful that there will be more in the future.”

Alissa Shay, Port Manager of Business Development, said, “The production and processing of cannabis is one of the fastest growing industries in Washington and we are pleased to be able to grow the opportunity in Grays Harbor with an experienced industry partner.”