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July 27, 2017
Grants and low-interest loans will support
economic development in Douglas, Franklin, Jefferson, Pacific, Skagit counties
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington
State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) approved $2,572,039 in loans
and grants for public infrastructure development and economic feasibility
studies targeting business growth and job creation in the Port of Douglas
County, Port of Pasco, Port of Port Townsend, Pacific County, Port of
Anacortes, and City of Everett.
Douglas
County – $291,552 loan and $87,412 grant to the Port of Douglas County for the Giga Watt Construction Project. It will extend domestic water,
industrial irrigation water and sanitary sewer lines, install power conduit,
vaults, landscaping, street lighting and storm water facilities, and excavate,
compact and pave roadway into the property with a cul-de-sac for fire truck
turn around. Giga Watt will invest $20 million, retaining 16 jobs and creating 61 jobs as a result of this
project. CERB funds are matched by $94,741 in local resources.
Franklin
County – $1.7 million loan and $300,000 grant to the Port of Pasco for ARM
Aerial Research Facility Project. This committed private-partner project will construct a 17,727-square-foot
pre-engineered metal building frame with metal sheeting and a metal
roof. Battelle Memorial Institute will invest $26 million, retaining 15 jobs and creating three jobs as a result of this
project. CERB funds are matched by $600,000 in local resources.
Jefferson County – $50,000 grant to Port of Port Townsend for a feasibility
study to develop a business plan for the properties at the Quilcene Marina and
industrial site that will support tenant growth, financial sustainability of
the port and other community benefits. CERB funds are matched by $17,000 in local resources.
Pacific County – $49,200 grant to Pacific County for a feasibility study to
develop an overall economic development plan addressing stagnant economic
growth in Pacific County, including six identified geographic/culturally
distinct sub-planning areas. CERB funds are matched by $16,400 in local resources.
Skagit County – $50,000 grant to Port of Anacortes to develop a real
estate strategy that will include a market assessment, conceptual site planning
and business plan for the port’s waterfront properties. CERB funds are matched by $29,000
in local resources.
Snohomish County – $45,000 grant to the City of Everett for the Everett
Innovation Center. This
is a feasibility study to finalize
construction requirements, financial support and operations of the proposed center. CERB funds are matched by $13,500
in local resources.
“The
CERB Program is designed to respond to emergent business development needs for public
infrastructure and provide long-range feasibility planning to help communities
plan for future business development.
The projects approved today are perfect examples of how CERB partners
with our communities,” said CERB Chair David Rhoden
“These
targeted investments from Washington state’s capital budget are essential to
building the infrastructure needed to support economic growth and create jobs that
strengthen our rural communities,” said Brian Bonlender, director of the state
Department of Commerce.
The
release of CERB funds to these projects is contingent upon each applicant
completing specific pre-contract requirements, such as finalizing other funding
sources and obtaining necessary permits.
Preview
CERB’s 2015
-17 Biennium in Review and check out CERB’s interactive
project map for the 2015-17 approved projects.
Since 1982, CERB has committed
nearly $174 million to local jurisdictions across the state, an investment
generating more than 35,000 jobs, and private capital investments of a $5.6
billion ($34 to $1) return on CERB investment.
As
Washington’s strategic economic development resource, CERB is focused on
creating private sector jobs in partnership with local governments by financing
infrastructure improvements. These improvements encourage new business
development and expansion. In addition to funding construction projects, CERB
provides limited funding for studies that evaluate high-priority economic
development projects. Learn more about CERB at www.commerce.wa.gov/cerb.
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Contacts:
Penny Thomas, Press Office, (206) 256-6106
Janea Eddy,
CERB Program Director & Tribal Liaison, (360) 725-3151
Twitter: @WAStateCommerce
Facebook: facebook.com/wastatecommerce
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