News Release: State Community Economic Revitalization Board invests over $1.9 million in four rural communities
Grants and low-interest loans will support economic development in Clark, Grant, Mason and Yakima counties
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) approved $1,988,750 in grants for public infrastructure development and economic feasibilities studies targeting business growth and job creation in Clark County, the cities of George and Yakima, and the port of Shelton.
· Clark County – $50,000 grant for a feasibility study to complete preliminary scoping on the I-5/NE 179th Street project. The plan includes a practical design concept in consultation with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), survey, traffic modeling and analysis, design and engineering, construction phasing and permitting. CERB funds are matched by $25,000 in local resources.
· Grant County – $1.2 million loan and a $300,000 grant to the city of George for Industrial Park No. 5 water system improvements for Ancient Lake Wine Company. This committed private partner project consists of design and construction of approximately 6,000 feet of 16-inch water transmission main, valves, fittings, appurtenances, and surface restoration. Ancient Lake Wine Company, LLC will invest $46 million in a 9,000-ton wine grape processing facility, creating or retaining 55 permanent jobs as a result of this project. CERB funds were matched by $403,000 in local public resources.
· Mason County – $160,000 loan and a $160,000 grant to the Port of Shelton for expansion of Johns Prairie Industrial Park for Fraser MetalWorks. This committed private partner project consists of the conversion of an existing 11,600-square-foot structure into a steel fabrication assembly building that includes space for manufacturing and testing of industrial electrical control panels. Fraser MetalWorks will invest $1,269,500 in a 3,000-square-foot expansion, steel fabrication machinery and equipment, and create or retain 69 permanent jobs as a result of this project. The CERB grant is matched by $400,000 in local resources.
· Yakima County – $50,000 grant to the City of Yakima for a feasibility study to refine the concept of a public market and mixed-use incubator/commercial kitchen. The study will address final location selection, layout, conceptual drawings and estimated construction budget. CERB funds are matched by $16,667 in local resources.
“CERB has a 35-year history of investing in Washington’s economic future by encouraging new development and expansion plus retaining existing jobs in the state. The projects in George and Shelton are good examples of the application of CERB as an economic development tool to support business growth in the state,” said CERB Chair David Rhoden.
“CERB is an important tool to help in our efforts to strengthen Washington communities by supporting industrial growth. These planning projects are examples of the depth and breadth of state-local collaboration required to prepare attractive sites for future business development and new job creation,” said Brian Bonlender, Director of the Washington 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.
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 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.
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Contact: Penny Thomas, Commerce Press Office, (206) 256-6106