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July 27, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Low-interest loan and four grants target public infrastructure and
job creation in Clallam, Douglas, Island, and Pend Oreille counties.
OLYMPIA,
WA – The Washington
State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) approved $1,437,500 in
loans and grants for public infrastructure development and economic feasibility
studies targeting business growth and job creation at the Port of Port Angeles,
Port of Douglas County, Island County, and the city of Newport.
Clallam
County –
$1,105,000 loan and $195,000 grant to the Port
of Port Angeles for the Marine Trades Industrial Park wash-down facility.
This prospective development project consists of construction of Phase 1A of
the Marine Trades Industrial Park, which includes an 18,500-square-foot boat
wash-down facility. The port estimates the project will create 250 jobs within
five years. CERB funds are matched by $1,325,105 in local resources.
Douglas
County –
$50,000 grant to the Port of Douglas
County for the Rock Island Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study. This
feasibility study focuses on adapting two closed industrial buildings on the
Columbia River at the former American Silicon Smelter facility for reuse. Local resources of $200,000 match CERB
funds.
Island County – $50,000
grant to Island County for the
Whidbey Airport Access Study. This feasibility study will develop a conceptual
alignment for a new public road to the Whidbey Airpark Industrial Area from SR
525. Local resources of $16,667 match the CERB funds.
Pend Oreille
County –
$50,000 grant to the City of Newport
for the Newport Hotel/Motel Feasibility Study. This study will analyze demand
for a hotel/motel, determine the appropriate size, construction and operating
costs, and job creation. Local resources of $16,667 match the CERB funds.
“Targeted local investments in public facilities are
essential to building a foundation for successful and sustainable economic
growth. CERB’s mission is to help local governments and tribes finance their
vision for the future,” said CERB Chair Randy Hayden.
Release
of CERB funds to these projects is contingent on each applicant completing
specific pre-contract requirements, such as finalizing other funding sources
and obtaining necessary permits.
Since
1982, CERB has committed nearly $163 million to local jurisdictions across the
state, an investment generating more than 35,000 jobs, and private capital
investment of a $5.6 billion ($34 to $1) return on CERB investment.
About the
Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB)
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 strengthen communities by encouraging
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 at www.commerce.wa.gov/cerb.
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Contacts:
Janea Delk, CERB Program Director & Tribal Liaison, (360) 725-3151
Penny Thomas, Commerce Press Office, (206) 256-6106
Local
Contacts:
Port of Port Angeles: Jesse Waknitz, Environmental Manager, (360) 460-1364, jessew@portofpa.com
Port of Douglas County: Ron Cridlebaugh, Economic Development Manager, (509) 884-4700, ron@portofdouglas.org
Island County: Connie Bowers, Assistant County Engineer, (360) 679-7336, connieb@co.island.wa.us
City of Newport: Jamie Wyrobek, Economic Development Director, (509) 447-5569, jwyrobek@pendoreille.org
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