The 5.2-acre project also would train and employ about 10 inmates as part of the Washington State Correctional Industries’ inaugural Class 1 partnership.
The idea is to train the inmates to be crew bosses, said Jeremy Petty, of Walla Walla Vineyard Management. Planting is expected to begin in 2020. Wages would be about $13.50 an hour.
The program isn’t certain. State and federal officials must approve it after public hearings.