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Aug. 18, 2016
Edmonton-based HiTest Sand Inc. proposes to invest $300 million in a new
state-of-the-art silicon refining facility in Usk, creating an estimated 400
construction jobs and 170 permanent full-time jobs.
OLYMPIA, WA --- The Washington State Department of Commerce
today announced that a new $300-million silicon smelting facility proposed for
Usk, Pend Oreille county, by HiTest Sand Inc. has been designated a Project of Statewide
Significance and will receive $300,000 in economic development assistance
through the Pend Oreille Economic Development Council. Much of the silicon
produced from sand at the smelter will be used by in-state solar cell
manufacturers, computer chip makers and aluminum product manufacturers.
Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, HiTest estimates about
400 construction jobs and once operational, about 170 permanent, full-time jobs
will be created. Paying an average salary well above the community’s prevailing
wage, these high-skill jobs will deliver a significant boost to the tri-county
region in the northeast corner of the state that’s been struggling with
unemployment rates several points above the state’s 5.8 percent average.
The smelting process will use large quantities of wood chips
from forest cullings, providing additional public benefit to Washingtonians in reduced
wildfire risk and a lower carbon footprint for in-state manufacturers using
this responsibly sourced, local silicon. The nearest similar sources are east
of the Mississippi River or off-shore, primarily southeast Asia.
“As a leading innovator in their industry, HiTest shares our
commitment to enabling the great promise of the clean energy economy,” said
Gov. Jay Inslee. “I look forward to watching the resurgence of hard-working
Washington communities spurred by this exciting new development in our
northeast region.”
“HiTest Sand Inc. is excited at the prospect of joining the
community of northeastern Washington. The support of local business leaders,
the Pend Oreille County Commission, Governor Inslee and especially
Representatives Shelly Short and Joel Kretz, was key in our decision to focus
our development efforts on the Usk site,” said Tom Vaughn, vice president, U.S.
Operations, HiTest Sand Inc “We look forward to seeing our silicon product
incorporated into similar environmentally focused industries both here in
Washington as well as the rest of North America.”
Meeting the threshold for a Project of Statewide
Significance provides for voluntary expedited permitting treatment by local
governmental bodies. To qualify for the designation, a project must be a
private industrial development with private capital investment in manufacturing
or research and development, or development that will provide a net
environmental benefit. Additional criteria include providing significant
economic benefit to the local or state economy and alignment with the state’s comprehensive
plan for economic development.
“This is one of the most significant projects in the state
for years. It is gratifying to see it happen in a region facing economic
challenges,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “The tri-county region and
neighboring city of Spokane offer HiTest Sands an incredible foundation on
which to build generations of success – sustainable forest resources, low-cost
clean energy and a highly skilled manufacturing workforce. I’m proud of the way
local officials, our fellow state agencies and our team at Commerce and
Governor Inslee’s office worked together with the company as business partners.”
"From the time Representative Kretz and I first met
Hi-Test Sand 8 months ago, our focus was to bring all decisionmakers to the
table and to assist them with whatever challenges they had. Everyone worked tirelessly to help bring this
to fruition. It's incredibly exciting
and gratifying," said 7th District Representative Shelly Short.
The $300,000 grant from the state Economic Development
Strategic Reserve Fund will assist with engineering costs associated with
developing the 80-acre industrial site in Usk. The project will take about nine
months in design and permitting and two years to build.
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Contact: PennyThomas, Commerce Press Office, 206-256-6106
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