State Board funds infrastructure development and economic feasibility studies in Clallam, Spokane and Whitman counties.
Investments in public infrastructure strengthen rural Washington communities
The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) has approved $172,500 in public investments for infrastructure development and economic feasibility studies targeting business growth and job creation for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Port of Port Angeles, Kalispel Tribe of Indians, and City of Colfax.
“Strong communities are the lifeblood of our state’s economic vitality. Modern public infrastructure systems form the core of every community’s quality of life and future. Serving Washington’s rural communities is all about ensuring the health and wellbeing of the people who choose to live, work and raise families there. Embracing this “quality of place” ideal attracts and sustains businesses and jobs,” said Brian Bonlender, director of the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Proposals approved for CERB funding at the board’s March 17 meeting are:
- Clallam County– $50,000 grant to the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe for the Wastewater Infrastructure Planning Support Study. This is a feasibility study to produce a preliminary engineering report (PER) with an environmental report for the connection to the City of Sequim sewer collection and disposal system, which treats effluent to Class A standards. CERB funds were matched by $21,389 in local resources.
- Clallam County– $50,000 grant to the Port of Port Angeles for the Marine Trades Industrial Park – Site Plan. This is a feasibility study/master plan for a marine trades industrial park at the former K Ply mill site. The study will include a preferred site layout alternative that will maximize the utilization of the 19 acres waterfront site, cost estimate, and project phasing schedule. CERB funds were matched by $50,000 in local resources.
- Spokane County– $50,000 grant to the Kalispel Tribe of Indians for the Native American Sewing Company Planning Study. This is a planning study to explore the feasibility of the Tribe’s ability to support a Native American-inspired clothing business. The study will look at product development, commercial space development and costs, product viability in the market, marketing plan, and ways to involve other Tribes. CERB funds were matched by $17,000 in local resources.
- Whitman County– $22,500 grant to the City of Colfax for the Glenwood Water Line Engineering and Industrial Park Feasibility Study. This is a feasibility study to develop an engineering assessment for the reconstruction of the Glenwood water line. The study will include a market feasibility study, examination of area zoning, transportation, and environmental restrictions, cost benefit analysis, target market study, and marketing plan. CERB funds were matched by $7,500 in local resources.
“CERB projects represent an important partnership between the state and local communities resulting in enhanced economic vitality. The projects approved for funding represent the economic, cultural, and geographic diversity of our state. The Board is pleased to collaborate with each of these communities to create permanent private sector jobs,” said CERB Chair Steve Anderson.
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 $206 million to local jurisdictions across the state, an investment generating more than 34,000 jobs, and private capital investments of a $5.7 billion ($27 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.